SD 428 
.M9 P"? 
Copy 1 



MOUNT RAIXIEI! FOREST RESERVE, WASHINGTON' 



FRED G. PLL'MMER 



21 GEOL, PT .3 6 



*** 






^1 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Boundaries 37 

< reneral description 88 

Climate 89 

Aral lie lands and s< ► i l formations 91 

Coal indications 93 

Minerals and mining claims 94 

Mineral springs 94 

Evidences of recent volcanic activity 96 

( a\ is 9g 

Mi mntain parks 97 

Tree species 98 

Range of tree species _ 106 

Rate of growth of timber trees 106 

Defects and diseases of timber trees 109 

Estimates of timber m 

White River watershed Ill 

Puyallup River watershed 112 

Nisqually River watershed 113 

CQwlitz River watershed 114 

( 'is] .us River watershed _ 115 

Leu is River watershed 116 

Washougal River watershed 117 

Ri .rk ( 'reek watershed 117 

Wind River watershed 118 

Little White Salmon River watershed 119 

White Salmon River watershed 120 

Klickitat River watershed 121 

Atamiiii River watershed 122 

Tied hi River watershed 123 

Naches River watershed _ _ 124 

Yakima River watershed 125 

Summary of estimates 126 

Commercial uses of timber 127 

Markets and prices 128 

Underbrush 130 

Forest litter _ 132 

Humus 132 

Fires 133 

Extent and location 133 

Causes 134 

Restocking of burned areas 236 

Timberless areas 137 

Timber cutting in the reserve 138 

Logging conditions 139 

Settlement and improvements 140 

Grazing 140 

83 



I LL USTRATIONS 



Page. 

Plate XXXIII. Map of Mount Rainier Forest Reserve, showing classification 

of lands In atlas 

XXXIV. A, Mount Rainier ami Longmire Springs. IS, Mount Rainier. 88 

XXXV. A, Narada Falls, Paradise Park. B, lee caves 90 

XXXVI. .1, Tatoosh Range, Mount St. Helens in distance. B, Small 
lake near Indian race track, second growth of mountain 

fir and hemlock ill' 

XXXVII. Map of Mount Rainier Forest Reserve, showing distribution 

of red or yellow fir !i4 

XXXVIII. A, Tauga pattoniana. II, Finns ponderosa. C, Firms monti- 

<■<>!, i. D, PseudoWiga taxifolia 96 

XXXIX. Map ui Mount Rainier Forest Reserve, showing distribution 

of hemlock 98 

XL. A, Larva occidentalis. IS, Picea engelmanni. < '. Abies lasio- 

carpa. I>, Firms albicaulis loo 

XLI. Diagram showing range and development of timber tree 

species 102 

XLII. Map of Mount Rainier Forest Reserve, showing distribution 

ni red cedar lot 

XLIII. A, Pines and red firs. B, Red fir in Cowlitz bottom 110 

XLIV. .1, Maple grove. IS, Yellow fir 12A feet in diameter 130 

XLV. A, Fir, maple, and ash trees. B, Mount II 1 with moun- 
tain fir 132 

XXVI. Map of Mount Rainier Forest Reserve, showing distribution 

of yellow pine 134 

XLVII. A, Mount Rainier from Goat Mountain. B, Burn, with 

second growth 136 

XLVIII. A, Summit of range in southern part of reserve, looking west. 

B, Headwaters of Tieton River from Goat Mountain 138 

XLIX. A, Mount Adams. B, Cispus Range from Goaf Mountain .. 140 
L. .1, Recent cinder cone on north slope of Mount Adams. 

B, Mount Adams, with mountain fir in foreground 142 

85 



MOUNT RAINIER FOREST RESERVE 
WASHINGTON. 



By Fred G. Plummer. 



BOUND ABIES. 

By proclamation of the President made February 22, 1897, the 
Mount Rainier Forest Reserve was established with the following 
boundaries: 

Beginning at the southeast corner of township four (4) north, range (9) east, Wil- 
lamette base and meridian, Washington; thence northerly along the range line 
between ranges nine (9) and ten (10) east, subject to the proper offset on the first 
(1st) standard parallel north, to the northwest come* of township six (6) north, 
rangi ten (10) east; thence easterly along the township line to the northeast corner 
of said township; thence northerly along the range line to the northwest corner of 
township seven (7) north, range eleven ill i east; thence easterly along the town- 
ship line between townships seven (7} and eight (8) north to the northeast corner 
of township seven (7) north, range twelve (12) east; thence northerly along the 
surveyed and unsurveyed range line between ranges twelve (12) and thirteen (13) 

east, subject to the proper offset on the se nd (2nd) standard parallel north, to the 

northwest corner of township eleven (11) north, range thirteen (13) east; thence 
easterlj along the surveyed and unsurveyed township line between townships eleven 
(11) and twelve (12) north to the southwest comer of township twelve (12) north, 
range fifteen (15) east; thence northerly along the surveyed and unsurveyed range 
line between ranges fourteen (14) and tifteen (15) east, subject to the proper offsets 
on the third (3rd) and fourth (4th i standard parallels north, to the point, for the 
northeast comer of township eighteen (18) north, range fourteen (14) east; thenre 
westerly along the unsurveyed and surveyed township line between townships 
eighteen I 18 I and nineteen (19) north to the southwest corner of township nineteen 
(19) north, range seven i7ieast; thence southerly along the surveyed and unsurveyed 
range line between ranges six (6) and seven (7) east, subject to the proper offsets on 
the township line between townships seventeen (17) and eighteen (18) north, and 
on the fourth (4th), third (3rd), and second (2nd) standard parallels north, to the 
point for the northeast, corner of township five (5) north, range six (6) cast; thence 
westerly along the unsurveyed township line between townships live (5) and six (t>) 
north to the southeast corner of township six (6) north, range four (4) east; thence 
southerly along the unsurveyed range line between ranges four (4J ami five (5 I east, 
subject to the proper offset on the first (1st) standard parallel north to the point for 
the southwest corner of township four (4) north, range live (5 ) east; thence easterly 
along the unsurveyed and surveyed township line between townships three (3) and 
four (4) north to the southeast corner of township four (4) north, range nine (9) 
east, the place of beginning. 

87 



OS FOREST RESERVES. 

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which may have 
been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or covered by any lawful 
filing 'inly of record in the proper United States land office, or upon which any 
valid settlement has been made pursuant to law, and the statutory period within 
which to make entry or filing of record has not expired, and all mining claims duly 
located and held according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations 
not in conflict therewith: 

Provided, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any particular tract 
of land unless the entryman, settler, or claimant continues to comply with the law 
under which the entry, tiling, settlement, or location was made. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

The tract tints reserved includes the Cascade Range in the southern 
part of Washington. The Government hind surveys which partly 
hound and fix the location of the reserve have in western Washington 
been made from the Willamette meridian and in eastern Washington 
from the Columbia guide meridian. The sum of the discrepancies 
between them falls in the unsurveyed mountainous region partly cov- 
ered by the reserve, and for this and other reasons the area of the 
reserve is 2,146,600 acres, and not 2,234,880 acres, as would he implied 
by the above description if all the townships were of full size. Of 
this total area 890,440 acres, or 41.4 per cent, lies on the eastern slope, 
and L, 256,160 acres, or 58.6 per cent, on the western slope of the 
mountains. 

These two slopes, which will he often referred to in this report, pre- 
sent widely divergent conditions in climate and flora, hut they share a 
hold topography in common. The line dividing these slopes, or the 
line separating the eastern drainage from the western, has a general 
direction of N. ."> E. Its detailed meanderings within the reserve are 
delineated on the map. PI. XXXIII. 

All of the eastern slope and the greater portion of the western 
drain into Columbia River, the tributary streams being the Cowlitz, 
Cispus, Lewis. Washougal, Rock. Wind. Little White Salmon, White 
Salmon. Klickitat. Atanum. Tieton, Naches, and Yakima rivers. 
The total watershed area of these streams is 1,794,600 acres, or 83.6 
per cent of the reserve The remainder, 352,000 acres, or 16.4 per 
cent, is drained into Puget Sound, the tributary streams being the 
White. Puyallup, and Nisqually rivers. 

Within the reserve are four mountain peaks or domes of unusual 
magnitude: Mount Rainier, 14,526 feet: Mount Adams. L2,470 feet; 
Goat Mountain. 8,500 feet, and Mount Aix. 7,623 feet. Of these 
Mount Rainier and Mount Aix are not on the summit line, but 
like Mount St. Helens, Mount Stewart, and Mount Baker, all in 
Washington, stand on one side or the other of the range. 

The glaciers and perpetual snow fields of Mount Rainier have a total 
area of 32,500 acres, ami are therefore an important item in the estima- 



U S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 




■.TV-FIRST ANNUAL REPC 


RT PARTV F 


L. XXXIV 




















Jg 


KfilflLillft /!»» " ^?DPIfei 


t.i~. '-' 


E&& i^i *fr- 






■■ 


_ 










n 




■J» 





J. MOUNT RAINIER AND LONGMIRE SPRINGS. 




B. MOUNT RAINIER. 



plummee.] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 89 

tion of areas without timber. The glaciers of Mount Adams cover 
only 2,300 acres, and those of Goat Mountain are insignificant. In 
unusual summer seasons, such as that of 1899, small areas of high 
altitude, protected from the warm chinook winds, may remain snow 
covered, but the perpetual snow fields and glaciers within the reserve 
arc limited to Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. Probably an excep- 
tionally warm season would leave no ice or snow on Goat Mountain. 

The routes of travel in the reserve are few. Most of the trails 
shown upon the map arc hardly deserving of the name, but indicate 
blazed lines where better progress can be made than by taking a course 
through the timber and brush. The Indian's policy was to go only 
where his pony could take him, and the idea of cutting and logging out 
a trail was repugnant to him; therefore his lines of travel were along the 
sparsely timbered ridges, where feed was generally plenty, when' game 
abounded, or where huckleberries grew. Later came the prospectors 
and sheepmen, and in some places they did considerable work. Since 
the advent of settlers in the valleys <»f the Nisqually, Cowlitz. Wind, 
and Little White Salmon, wagon roads have been built ami the larger 
streams bridged. Since 1896 stages have run from Tacoma to Long- 
mires Springs during July, August, and September of each year to 
accommodate the tourist travel en route to Paradise Park. Twelve 
miles of this stage road is inside of the reserve and was constructed on 
a county survey prior to the proclamation of the reservation. Public 
sentiment strongly favors the opening of this scenic region by better 
lines of travel than the poor wagon road and pack trails. The Yellow- 
stone and Yoseniite will have a strong competitor when this is done. 
The setting aside of nine townships around Mount Rainier as a national 
park was an act which met with universal approval. 

CLIMATE. 

Accurate meteorological data are not obtainable regarding that por- 
tion of the Cascade Mountains within the boundaries of the reserve, 
as the Weather Bureau has never had an observer in that area. Dur- 
ing the examination a large amount of fragmentary information was 
collected from settlers, prospectors, and trappers, and by personal 
observation. This has been used, with many interpolations, in the 
preparation of the accompanying maps. 

The bold topography of the reserve is the cause of wide diversi- 
ties in climatic conditions, some of which are general and affect large 
areas, while others affect only small areas. The rain-bearing clouds 
arc brought by southwest winds from the Pacific Ocean, and find easy 
access to the Cascade Range through breaks in the Coast Range. 
The mountains along the coast, owing to their position and height, 
are great rain producers for their own areas, but the range is not 



90 



Fl >RKST RESERVES. 



continuous and the gaps in it are low. Important at ig the gaps, as 

affecting the region under consideration, are those made by < J-rays Har- 
bor. Willipa Bay, Columbia River, Tillamook Bay, and Yaquina Bay. 

The ( Jascade Range, running north and south, parallel -with the coast, 
presents a more continuous barrier to the rain-bearing clouds, the 
only break or gap being that through which Columbia River flows. 

The winters in the mountains are long rather than severe. Doubt- 
less upon such elevations as Mount Rainier, .Mount Adams, or Goat 
Mountain the prevailing conditions during the winter are of extreme 
se\ erity. 

A strong contrast is presented between the corn and tobacco fields 
of the Cow lit/ Valley and the ice fields and glaciers of Mount Rainier, 
and yet among these same glaciers in the mountain parks a profusion 
of wild flowers and gras^e~ result-, from the mild and delightful cli- 
mate that prevails during the short summer season. It is always a 
matter of surprise to the tourists that they may camp in summer gar- 
dens surrounded by arctic scenery on such a grand scale, but this 
camping season is limited to .Inly. August, and September. 

During L886, L887, and 1888 the engineer department of the North- 
ern Pacific Railway kepi a weather record at Stampede Pass tunnel, 
and from those observations the following table has been compiled: 



. I . rage tempi ratun ami mo.ivfall <// Stampede Tunnel, Washington, for 1886-1888. 
[Altitude, 2,840 feet.] 



Months. 




Tempi 


rature. 


Highi -i 


Lowest. 

1(1 
16 




Fed. 
8.9 

;... 

5. 5 
2.6 


(2 

47 
55 
61 

86 
82 

76 
61' 
511 
42 




March 


-II 




41 


May 


35 

43 
48 
51 
40 
32 
19 
18 


lulv 




lugust 










1. 1 
3.6 









PLUMMEE.' 



MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 91 



arable lands and soil formations. 

Only about 45,000 acres or 2 per cent of the entire reserve is fair 
farming land, and of this amount more than one-halt' is under adverse 
climatic conditions due to great altitude and exposure. 

Of the favorably situated areas in western Washington the most 
important is the Cowlitz watershed. 

The ( !owlitz Valley widens for a length of 13 miles within the reserve 

and includes some very g 1 land known as the "Big Bottom." which 

contains aboul L2,000 acres, of which 25 per cent is slashed and partly 
cleared. The soil formation, as shown by the wells and river hanks, 
averages as follows: 

Section in Cowlitz Valley, Washington. 

Sand or sandy loam -- - 

Sci iria sand - 

Sand and sandy loam... 1 -'° 

Gravel and sand 

Scoria sand 

( 'lay and sand. 

Bear Prairie, in sec. 8, T. UN.. R. 8 E., at the head of Snake ( 'reek. 

in the same watershed, contains about 90 acses of g 1 hay land and 

has been drained by the claimant. The formation as shown by the 
ditching is as follows: 

Section in sec. 8, T. 14 A., /.'. 8 /•:.. Washington. 

1.0 



Sandy loam 

Sci iria sand 

Sandy loam 



.1 
1.25 

1.0 



Scoria sand 

Sandy loam. 

The Nisqually below the mouth of Horse ( reek bas an area of about 
4.(ioo acres, of which 30 per cent is a liberal estimate of the arable 
portions. The balance of the bottom lands are either rocky, gravel, 
or clear-washed sands, with little soil or humus. The areas which are 
arable are covered with thick stands of forest and it costs $100 to $150 
per acre to prepare them for the plow. The settlers on these lands 
often leave the stumps in their fields and garden patches. 

On the South Fork of Puyallup River, on which no settlement has 
been made, there are about 300acres of arable land in scattered patches 
which would be difficult to clear. 

The Mowich River bottom inside the reserve has about 1,000 acres 
of very fair land which is heavily timbered. 

The Carbon River Canyon is uninviting to the farmers. The steep 
side hills run almost to the river and a few little patches of good soil 
are all that can be mentioned. The same is true of the White River 
Canyon. 



92 FOREST RESERVES. 

In the valley of Cispus River, below the mouth of Anatass Creek, 
there are about 1,000 acres of arable bottom and bench lands in scat- 
tered tracts. The same scoria sand found in the Cowlitz and other 
watersheds ispresent. In sec. 2, T. 11 N.. R. 7 E.. a well 5 feet deep 
in a swale showed the following: 

Section in sec. .'. T. ll X., R. 7 E. 

Feet. 

Scoria sand 1 

Black muck 4 

( loarse sand. 

The valley of the Lewis River within the reserve is a canyon at its 
lower end. and those areas nearer the headwaters are of too great 
altitude to be of any use. 

Wind River Valley is low and broad and contains about 8,000 acres 
of good land hut difficult to clear. Being easily accessible from 
Columbia River, this area has found many settlers. 

The same is true of the valley of the Little White Salmon River, 
which contains aboul 2,000acres. The timber is smallerand lias been 
partly removed by logging and railroad-tie cutting. In the "White 
Salmon River Valley about 2,000 acres might be made profitable by 
irrigation, but the season would be short. 

In the Klickitat watershed lying between the Fish Lake Stream and 
the Clearwater is about 2,500 acres of moist bench land. It would 
cost - s 7-'> ]><■;■ acre to prepare it for the plow, and by reason of the 
severe winters and short summers it would be of doubtful value. 
Bordering the Klickitat and the Lower Fish Lake Stream in Ts. 8 and 
'.i X.. R. L2 E., there is an area of about 10,000 acres of bench land 
supporting a growth of yellow pine {Pinus ponderosa) and pine grass 
( ( 'alamagrostis suhsdorfii). When cleared it would be fair land under 
irrigation. 

( )n the headwaters of the main Klickitat River are a series of 
meadows which will aggregate about sun acres. The level bottom 
and low benches of fair land bordering these meadows may be classed 
as arable land and will add L,200 acres to the above, making a total of 
2,000 acres. These bottoms are divided transversely by several low 
ridges both in appearance and formation strongly suggestive of ter- 
minal moraines of an ancient glacier. No stria' were noted. 

Conrad Meadows, on the South Fork of Tieton River, contain about 
lnil acres which should he drained. 

At the head of Tani.um Lake on Bumping River is about 500 acres 
of bottom land with a growth of young fir, hemlock, cedar, and light 
underbrush. Small areas of this bottom are timberless and grassed. 

Other small and unimportant areas of arable land are Goose Prairie 
on Bumping River and Pleasant Valley on American River, and also 
a few benches and small lake beds on the Naches and Tieton rivers. 




A. TATOOSH RANGE; MOUNT ST. HELENS IN DISTANCE. 




B. SMALL LAKE NEAR INDIAN RACE TRACK; SECOND GROWTH OF MOUNTAIN FIR AND HEMLOCK. 



pummer] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 93 

Near the headwaters of many of the .smaller streams are small mead- 
ows, but their elevation and exposure forbid their use for agricul- 
tural purposes. 

The surface soils other than above detailed are entitled to only 
brief mention. The hold topography of the area prohibits the 
accumulation of deep or rich soils. The underlying ledges, talus, 
and gravels are covered with sand, resulting from decomposition, 
and over many areas with scoria. This scoria is both of interest 
and value. Some samples were taken from an undisturbed hank on a 
hill in the SE. I of SE. 1 of sec. Is. T. 12 N., R. 7E.,and gave a weight 
of 19.55 pounds avoirdupois per cubic foot. After being screened a 
cubic foot of the sand, whose grains ranged in size from one-half to 
one-eighth inch in diameter, weighed 43 pounds. The same screening 
after being dried weighed 37.4 pounds. 

This sand follows the surface of the country, and in the higher ele- 
vations is often exj)osed, and over small areas has been recently eroded. 
Its color is a dull straw, sometimes deep brown. It is very coarse, 
gritty, and free from loam and other foreign matters, and is never 
waterworn. It is always loose, never compact. When exposed to air 
by the plow it undergoes a slow slaking process, and is regarded as 
remarkably fertile soil. In Cowlitz Valley John Blankenship says his 
field of sand changed very much by working, as it decomposed, turned 
yellow, and made good soil, which lie has used for growing artichokes. 
His flower garden blooms freely, but the plants are not thrifty. Scoria 
sand taken from his well was thrown over the surface of the ground, 
and showed its fertility by the growth of weeds which followed. 

All of the evidence presented by the scoria sand points to the prob- 
ability of its being the result of a recent volcanic eruption, but to 
name the volcano or to fix the date will require more extended 
examination. 

COAX, INDICATIONS. 

The Columbia River lava (Miocene) has overcapped and almost com- 
pletely buried the coal-bearing strata (Eocene) within the reserve. 
Rarely has erosion uncovered the upper measures, which are found 
badly faulted and broken, and in several cases metamorphosed by heat. 

Eocene sandstone and fossil-bearing shales were recognized near the 
southwest corner of sec. is.T. 17 N.. R. 8 E.; also on Goat Creek. Coal 
( reek, and Sweetwater Creek on the Nisqually watershed. The t'< issils 
are the leaves of alders, maple, and willow and resemble those found 
in the roof rocks of the Roslyn coal mine in eastern Washington and in 
other coal mines on the west side of the range. Coal float was found 
at these localities. Fossil leaves are also reported from the Wind 
River watershed, near Lookout Mountain. 



94 FOREST RESERVES. 

I >avis coal prospect on Summit Creek has been worked to a 
stnaJl extent to determine its value. A vein 6 feet wide is claimed, 
which crosses Summit Creek, and is exposed on both sides < if the canyon. 
The improvements consist of two small cabins, a shaft about b> feet 
deep, and two tunnels. 

Coal veins exist in sees. 1.", and 14. T. L2 N., R. 8 E., and s 

prospecting has Keen done, hut the work has been abandoned. Two 
miles north of Packwood Lake several small coal veins have been 
prospected. 

On the headwaters of Cispus River, in T. 1<» N., R. 10 E.. several 
eoal veins have been prospected, but no real development work has 
been done. Traces of coal have been found underlying the basalt at 
Steamboat Mountain. 

MINER AI.S VXD MINING CLAIMS. 

i lie ( lolumbia River lava is not a favorable formation for the deposi- 
tion of the precious metals iii paying quantities, although waters slightly 
charged with minerals have deposited gold, silver, lead, iron, and 
silica alone' cleavage planes in the high country rock, which is mainly 
diabase capped with lava. On the surface where these infiltrations 
occur the original sulphide deposit has been oxidized and concentrated, 
so that by panning some color of flour gold can he obtained. Below 
the line of oxidation, at a depth of about 30 feet, the mineral deposit 
changes to low-grade iron pyrites, which requires smelting and is not 
of sufficient value to make it profitable to mine. 

These veins do not show any characteristics of true fissure or contact 
fissure veins, there being no ribbon structure of the vein matter or 
striation of the walls, but merely an impregnation of the country 
rocks, which would indicate that they are merely gash veins which 
wiil in all probability terminate at a slight depth. 

The placer ground on Moore Creek, at the base of Gold Hill, is said 
to give colors to every pan, but inasmuch as several parties have operated 
it in years past and have given it up it can not be very profitable. 

The .Medina Mining Company is buildinga 5 stamp mill on the west 
side of Silver Creek to test the free or oxidized ore. On the opposite 
side of the gulch the Florence Company is running a crosscut tunnel 
easterly in diabase rock for the purpose of tapping some ore veins 
that crop on the slope of the mountain above. If the company is 
successful iii this it may prove that the veins at this point have 
depth and are not gash veins in the cleavage of the country rock. 

MINERAL SPRINGS. 

James Lone-mire patented 20 acres of land lying in sees. 29 and 32, 
T. L5 X., R. 8 E., as a mineral claim. He erected an inn, barn, two 
bath houses, one storehouse, and two small shacks. 



U S GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 



LEGEND 



Less than 10 percent of the forest 



TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT PART V PL. XXXVII 



About 25percent of the forest 



About 50percent of the forest 



About 75 percent of the forest 




MOUNT RAINIER FOREST RESERVE 
WASHINGTON 

Showing distribution of red oryellowflr 
( Pseudotsugataxifolia) 

Prepared under the direction of Henry Gannett Geographer incharge 

BY FRED.G.PLUMMER 

1899 



10 15 MILES 



plummer.] MOUNT RAINIEK RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 95 

Within the limits of this claim are about twenty mineral springs 
having temperatures from 50 to 90 F. A sample of one of the 
springs was sent to G. A. Mariner, of Chicago, for analysis, who 
reported as follows: 

Analysis of water from sees. ?9andS2, '/'. 15 N., R. 8 E. 

[Analyst: G. A. Mariner.] 

' rrams. 

Silica 0.080410 

Calcium carbonate 1. 07721 K I 

Magnesium carbonate 617780 

Iron oxide 060500 

Sodium sulphate 090251 

Sodium chloride 1.463600 

Potassium chloride Trace. 

Sodium carbonate 063195 

Si "Hum silicate 062326 

Hydrogen sulphide Trace. 

Total solids in one liter 3.515262 

These springs are steady in their flow and have shown do signs of 
failing. 

On the north side of Summit Creek in the Cowlitz watershed is a 
mineral spring claimed by David Longmire. It was located September 
5, L897, as a red mineral paint spring claim. The spring is i feet in 
diameter and is LOO feet from Summit Creek. The amount of flow is 
about 1 cubic foot per minute. It tastes like soda water strongly 
impregnated with iron. The temperature is about 40 c and the water 
is very refreshing. The pack animals drank it with relish. 

A similar spring is reported on the right bank of Bumping River, ."> 
miles below Tannum Lake. 

A mineral spring is located on the north side of Cowlitz River in 
sec. 3'2. T. 13 N., R. 9 E. The waters issue from several fissures of the 
rock in place and flow into the river, which is only lo feet distant. 
The spring is below the level of high water, and its waters are 
strongly impregnated with sulphur and iron, and have a temperature 
of about 100" F. 

In sec. 34, T. 14 N., R. 14 E., on the south side of Tieton River, 
are mineral springs having a flow of about 0.25 cubic foot per minute. 
One has a temperature of 105 : F. The others are cold. 

The Klickitat soda springs in the north half of sec. 23, T. 11 N. , 
R. 12 E.. are probably the finest soda springs in the reserve, although 
they have not so great a flow as the Longmire Springs, nor are they as 
well situated for use. The main spring issues from a rock crevice on 
the south side of Klickitat River, below the high-water line. To make 
the water accessible the stock herders have built a wing dam which 
exposes the bubbling spring. Its flow is about 1 cubic foot per 



96 FOREST RESERVES. 

minute, and is steady. The water is clear and sparkling, with an 
agreeable taste resembling vichy. It is a strong appetizer, and acts 
quickly and vigorously upon the kidneys. 

<)n the north side of the river, and just above high-water mark, are 
two barely perceptible springs, one warm and the other cold. Two 
other springs issue in the bed of the si ream, and can l>e located by the 
bubbles of gas which rise to the surface. 

In sec. ">t;, T. 9 \.. 15. 12 E., is a fine soda spring, which has long 
been known and used by the Indians. Its waters are (dear and cold 
and carry iron, as is shown l>\ the vr<\ formation about it. Its flow is 
0.25 cubic foot per minute. Near this spring are three yellow pines 
{Pinvs ponderosa) of less than 18 inches diameter, which have been 
affected by the spring. Their foliage is of a light-brown color, is 
xrry scanty, and droops. 

Numerous small soda and iron springs are found along the Clear- 
water Fork of the Klickitat River in the box canyons. 

EVIDENCES <>I RECENT VOLCANIC ACTIVITY. 

( )n the .-lopes of Mount Adams are many evidences of recent vol- 
canic activity, and important among these are cinder cones and bombs. 

The cinder cones are miniature volcanoes in form. One, situated 
about :'> miles northeast of the summit of Mount Adams, at an eleva- 
tion of 7,000 feet, is worthy of special mention, [ts height is about 
500 feet and the crater at its summit has a diameter of L75 feet and a 
depth of 7."> feet. The cinders which form its mass and the flora 
growing upon it are unique and interesting. 

The lava, scoria, and pumice are often of brilliant colors red. 
orange, and yellow predominating. Some of the pumice is of finer 
texture than that in use commercially, and the volcanic glass is found 
in all shades, from black to clear, transparent globules. 

On the northern side of Goat Peak an area of over L, 000 acres is 
completely covered with scoria and cinders, and this area is timberless. 
If a crater exists it was covered with snow at the lime of the 
examination. 

The bombs found on the lower slopes of Mount Adams are spherical 
masses of homogenous lava, and lie in piles upon the former lava 
Hows. They are id' all sizes up to 20 feet in diameter, and in every 
case have been fractured and their hard, glassy formation exposed. 
Frequently the fracture planes show a rind of several inches depth 
from the original spherical surface toward the center. 

CAVES. 

At the headwaters of the White Salmon and Little White Salmon 
rivers are large areas of partly exposed lava In-ds. Where a soil has 
formed it appears to lie good, but of no depth, and the timber which it 



immmmii .MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. !•" 

supports is scrubby and of small size. A line of caves may be traced 
along this formation for a distance of lu miles inside of the l'eserve 
and as far again outside. In some cases the caverns appear to exist 
by reason of the sinking of the flooring, which is of basalt, but quite 
as frequently they lake the form of gigantic bubbles, the roof stratum 
being buckled up and broken, permitting an entrance to the interior. 
Often these caverns are continuous for a considerable distance under- 
ground, the passages widening in the vicinity of the surface opening. 
In one of these caves, situated in sec. 25, T. 6 N.. R. 9 10., ice remains 
during the entire year, and it lias merited the local name of the " Ice 
Cave." [t is about 350 feel in .length, with a maximum heighl of b> 

feel, and extreme, width of 60 feet. 

The ice is in the form of stalactites and stalagmites; in s cases 

joined into pillars :! feel thick. It has been a custom of visitors to 
build fires in the caves, and much of the natural beauty of this cave 
has been destroyed. The practice of wantonly breakingthe ice forma- 
tions has also contributed to the destruction of its beauty. 

A small cave was found on the southeast slope of .Mount Adams. 

near Hell Roaring River. Deep water prevented it- exploration. 

MOUNTAIN PARKS. 

All the divides become beautiful parks as they approach the slopes 
of Mount Rainier. In place of the close stand of foresl which charac- 
terizes the lower slopes, the mountain firs and hemlocks are grouped 

upon the lesser ridges and hui icks from which the snow firsi dis 

appears in the spring. At leas! 80 per cent of the areas above 5,000 
feet and below the timber line may be classed as mountain meadows. 
They are plentifully watered by little streams and lakes and the soil 
supports a heavy growth of wild flowers, ferns, and juniper. The 

limit of perpetual snow extending through so if these parks gives 

opportunities for coasting and snowballing, which are enjoyed by the 
many campers who make these grounds their summer resort. Parks 
which are well known because of their beauty and accessibility are 
Paradise Park. Magnetic Park, and Indian Henry's Ground, on the 
southern slope of the mountain. Spray Park on the northwest slope, 
Moraine Park and the Elysian Fields on the northern slope. 

The summit of the Cascade Mountains and the high spurs that 
extend from it are generally a succession of parks, plentifully grassed 
and flowered. On the eastern slope these areas have been consider- 
abl\ used for pasturing sheep, and much of their natural beauty 
destroyed, but only in the regions of the burns do any of the grander 
vistas bear witness to the carelessness or greed of man. 

21 GEOL, PT 5 7 



98 FOREST RESERVES. 

TREE SPECIES. 

The coniferous trees of the reserve are as follows: 

Coniferous trees of Mount Rainier Forest Reserve, Washington. 

Pinus monticola Doug] White pine. 

Pinus ponderosa Laws Yellow pine. 

Pi li us murrayana Oreg. Com . .. Lodgepole pine. 

Pinus albicaulis Engelm Mountain pine (white-bark). 

Aliio nobilis Lindl Noble fir I larch i. 

Abies amabilia i Loud. I Forb Lovely fir I larch i. 

A.bies concolor (Gord. ) Parry White fir. 

Aim's lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt Upine fir i subalpina). 

Tsuga mertensiana i Bong. I Carr Hemlock. 

Tsuga pattoniana Engelm Mountain hemlock. 

Picea engelmanni (Jeffr.) Engelm .. Engelmann spruce. 
Picea sitchensis i Bong) T. and M... Tideland spruce. 

Pseudotsuga taxifolia Poir Red and yellow fir (hemlock 

spruce). 

Thuja plicata Don Red cedar. 

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Lamb.) Alaska cedar. 
Spach. 

Larix occidentalis Nutt Tamarack. 

Taxus brevifolia Nutt Yew. 

The large deciduous trees are as follows: 

Deciduous trees of the Mount Rainier Forest Reserve, Washington. 

Fraxinus oregona Nutt Ash. 

Acer macrophyllum Pursh Maple. 

IV i| ml ns trichocarpa Torr. and Gr .. < iottonw 1. 

Populus t nan ill i liiles Michx Quaking aspen. 

Quercus garryana Dougl Oak. 

Small deciduous trees of do value as timber are included in the list 
of underbrush. 

In the descriptions which follow, the order of arrangement is the 
same as given above, the trees of eaeh genus being together without 
regard to commercial rank. 

Pinus monticola Dougl. (White pine). 

This species is found from sea level to an elevation of 6,000 feet. 
The greatest diameter is 5 feet and the extreme height of individuals 
observed was 150 feet. About two-thirds of the height is crown. 
The heartwood is white and the sapwood light yellow. The wood is 
light, soft, not very strong, but quite durable. It reaches its greatest 
development at an elevation of 3,500 feet, and in comparison with the 
other pines occupies a middle zone, being above the yellow pine (/'. 
poncU rosa) and below the lodgepole and mountain pines ( /'. murrayana 
and /'. aZbicauMs). Although not as strong as the yellow pine, the 



U. S . GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 



LEGEND 



Less than 10 percent of the forest 



TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT PART V PL. XXXIX 



About25percent ofthe forest 



Ahoul 50percent of theforest 





I 

J^it-.MT ADArtfi u 

m 12470 -?\ 

i 
i 



MOUNT RAINIER FOREST RESERVE 
WASHINGTON 

Showing distribution of hemlock 

(Tsuga mertensiana) 

Prepared under the direction of Henry Gannett Geographer in charge 

BY FRED. G.PLU M M EH 

1899 






10 IS MILES 



pi.um.mer1 MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 99 

absence of pitch and more even texture makes it the most valuable of 
the pines found in the State of Washington. The typical tree is erect 
and graceful, with lighter and more delicate foliage than other pines. 
It is found on both sides of the Cascade Range, but attains its best 
development on the moist hillsides and benches of the eastern slopes. 
It does not form a forest of pure growth, being always associated 
with one or more species of fir or with the red cedar ( Thuja plicata). 

Pinus poxderosa Laws. (Yellow pine). 

This species has a range of from 400 to 6.200 feet in altitude. The 
extreme diameter noted was 6 feet, with a height of 200 feet. The heart- 
wood is yellow and the sapwood is white and resinous. The wood is 
heavier than that of the white pine and stronger, though rather brittle 
and not very durable when exposed to moisture. Among the pines it 
occupies the lowest altitudinal zone, reaching its maximum develop- 
ment at .-'ii elevation of 2,500 feet, and by reason of its greater accessi- 
bility and distribution it is commercially the first in use. The inferior 
trees are called bull pines, and with many lumbermen a distinction is 
made, dependent upon the amount of sapwood in the log. 

The yellow pine forms an open forest of pure growth at the lower 
timber line in eastern Washington bordering the arid region, for the 
reason that it leads the other conifers in the spreading of the timber. 
Its ability to grow on worthless rocky soil, on the face of cliffs, or on 
the talus is marvelous. It is a necessary agent to promote the accumu- 
lation of soil and humus for the conifers of greater commercial value 
which follow its lead. 

The yellow pine is not strictly an eastern Washington tree, as it 
occupies many small and scattered areas on the western prairies near 
Roy, but these areas are insignificant in comparison with its universal 
occurrence in the lower timbered areas east of the mountains. 

At its highest altitudinal limit the yellow pine, although dwarfed in 
height, attains large diameter of trunk and appears strong and thrifty. 
The crown is low and the main branches abnormally heavy and without 
the symmetry of the typical forest tree at lower altitudes. 

Pinus murrayana Oreg. Com. (Lodgepole pine). 

The extreme range of this species is from 1,800 to 7,100 feet in alti- 
tude, but its growth above .">.( M M I feet is very scattered, and it is only the 
presence of a few individuals that puts the upper limit at 7,100 feet. 
It attains a height of 80 feet and a diameter of 26 inches rarely. The 
heart wood is creamy, white, or pink, and the sapwood slightly whiter. 
The timber being generally small and of poor quality, it is chiefly used 
for fence rails and firewood. At an altitude of 4,000 feet it attains 
its maximum growth, and on some of the dry river benches forms pure 



100 FOREST RESERVES. 

forests over small areas. Even al maturity the crown covers three- 
fourths or seven-eighths of the height. Pim/us contorta, also called 
"black pine." has a lower ranee to sea level, but was not positively 
determined within the boundaries of the reserve. 

1'im s ALBICAULIS Engelm. (Mountain pine). 

This species of pine is only found on the higher elevations, and has 
a range from 5,000 to 8,200 feet. It is the only tree found above 7,500 
feet. Its extreme height is 50 feet, with a diameter of 26 inches. 
According to its exposure, it may be three-fourths crown or with only 
a \er\ scanty foliage on the lee side near the top. The heartwood 
and sapwood are lighl straw color. The wood is hard and tough, and 
splits with difficulty. 

It sets cones in abundance at an altitude of 7,000 feet, where it often 
comprises 90 per cent of the trees. Its associates at this altitude are 
Abies lasiocarpa, Tsuga pattoniana, and Charnceeyparis nootkatensis, 
all of which have reached their growth at lower elevations. The seeds 

are edible, and the trees are sometimes cut down to secure them. On 

one ridge of Mount Adams about LOO trees were felled for this 
purpose. 

At and near its higher altitudinal limit it is a mere shrub, finding 
shelter behind larger rocks or crags. The foliage is often thickly 
matted, and in its procumbent form hides the gnarled trunk, which i< 
of monstrous size in comparison with its crown. 

Abies nobilis Lindl. (Noble fir). 

This is tin' finest timber tree in the forests of the reserve, and is 
found between altitudes of L, 800 and 5,200 feet. The diameter of the 
largest individual found was 6 feet, with a height of 225 feet. In the 
forest the crown extends only one third of the height, and the trunk 
is generally a perfect cylinder, standing perpendicular. The heart 
wood and sapwood are light straw color, light, hard, strong, and elastic, 
and quite free of resin. Tin' elevation at which it nourishes best is 
3,000 feet, but with the lovely tir [Abies amabilis) it often forms dense 
forests at 3,500 and even 4,000 feet. 

Abies amabilis (Loud.) Forb. (Lovely lit). 

This species is found between altitudes of sou and 5,500 feet. The 
trees attain a height of 200 feet, with a diameter of 5 feet, of which 

s-third to one-half is crown in the forest growth. In the open 

it often has branches to the ground. The heartwood and sapwood are 
light straw color, the heartwood being slightly darker. The wood is 
not hard nor very strong, and splits easily between knots. 



S&L 


_JK 


W^m^km 


at ■gg^wTTiggyatr 


#jriM^ 


1 ii 


WHU 


W- 





pummkk.] MOUNT RAINIER RE8ERVE, WASHINGTON. 101 

The wood of this fir is very little known commercially in Washing- 
ton, but has been cut and sold with the noble fir under the name of 
larch. Its wood is better than that of the white fir (Abies concolor), 
with which the tree is sometimes confounded, but will not rank with 
that of the noble fir. It lias been used in the manufacture of excelsior. 

Abies concolok (Gord.) Parry (White fir). 

This fir has an altitudinal range from sea level to t,200 feet. The 
extreme diameter noted was 3.5 feet, with a height of L50 feet, of 
which two-thirds was crown. The heartwood is white and the sap- 
wood a creamy color. The timber is not heavy, hard, nor strong, but 
is rather brittle, and perishable when exposed to alternate moisture 
and dryness. There is a prejudice against the wood, as it compares 
poorly with the species now being logged for building timber. It has 
been used for inside finishing, and from the larger trees fine shingles 
can be made. 

Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. (Alpine fir). 

This beautiful fir has an altitudinal range from 4,000 to 7,500 feet. 
The greatest diameter is 2 feet and height 80 feet, of which nine- 
tenths is crown. Heartwood is a creamy color and the sapwood is 
white. The wood is not very heavy, hard, nor strong, but is elastic 
and durable when seasoned. It is almost always associated with Pat- 
ton's hemlock in the higher altitudes. The typical tree is an acute 
cone extending almost to the ground in strong and vigorous branches. 
The base of the cone is about one-fifth of the height. The trunk is 
generally straight, and, by observation of the young trees, is generally 
scrubby, knotted, and twisted, and much dwarfed in growth. At the 
timber limit of 7,500 feet it is procumbent and attains the form of gro- 
tesque bushes and shrubs. In the lower valleys where this species is 
found there is sometimes 30 feet of clear trunk, above which the 
branches droop in graceful curves. The wood splits straight, but with 
difficulty between the knots, which run to the center of the tree. 

This tree is not known to the local lumbermen, and owing to its 
small size and lack of clear trunk is of little or no commercial value. 

Tsuga mertensiana (Bong.) Carr. (Hemlock). 

This tree is found from sea level to an altitude of 5,000 feet. 
Extreme diameter is 6 feet, with a height of 250 feet, of which one- 
half to two-thirds is crown. The heartwood is grayish white, and 
the sapwood is cream color. It is not very heavy, but is hard and 
quite strong. It is more brittle than tir. although not so durable, 
and tin' knots run to the center of the tree. 



102 FOREST RESERVES. 

It sometimes forms a forest of pure growth, but in this case the 
timber is generally very tall and slender, and only suitable for piles. 
Although in Washington it ranks next to fir in quantity, it is generally 
considered an inferior wood, and has been logged very little in this 
State, except in localities where the fir has become scarce. Time will 
probably overcome the prejudice to the hemlock timber, as it makes 
very good floors and ceilings and has a very good surface under the 
plane. If does not splinter like the eastern hemlock, and takes stain 
and oil easily. The hark of this hemlock is useful for tanning, and 
the preparation of tanning extract is an industry at Clallam Bay 
and South Bend. The bark, being very rich in tannic acid, makes a 
very superior extract. Owing to the limited market on the Pacific 
coast and the cost of Sending the product East to compete with other 
extracts in a falling market, incident to the panic of 1893, it was found 
that it could not he manufactured at a profit at South Bend. 

TSUGA PATTON1ANA Kngellll. (Mountain hemlock). 

This hemlock is found from an altitude of 3,500 to 7,500 feet. The 
largesl diameter is 3 feet, and height L25 feet, four-fifths of which is 
crown. The wood is yellow, hard, and somewhat brittle. It some- 
times forms a forest of pure growth over limited areas, hut is gen- 
erally found associated with .1. IctMOcarpa and /'. albica/ulis. The 
largesl and heaviest stands of these hemlocks were found at an eleva- 
tion of 6,000 feet near Jennies Peak, hut the (dear trunks were sel- 
dom over li» feet. 

PlCEA ENGELMANNI Engelm. (Engelmann spruce). 

This spruce has an altitudinal ranee from 1,000 to 6,200 feet. The 
greatest diameter is '■'<■■' feet, with a height of 150 feet, of which one- 
half to two-thirds is crown in the forest trees. Mature trees growing 
in the open general^ 7 have a symmetrica] cone-shaped crown to the 
base. The heartwood and sapwood are white, soft, light, and not very 
strong. It has even grain and splits easily and. being without pitch or 
disagreeable odor, is a very valuable wood commercially, particularly 
for cooperage and fruit boxing. 

No forest of pure growth was found. The best growth is upon the 
lower mountain slopes and benches, where it is associated with pines, 
firs, and tamarack. 

Picka sitchf.nsis (Bong. ) T. and M. (Tide-land spruce). 

This species is found from sea level up to an elevation of 1,800 feet 
within the boundaries of the reserve, west of the Cascade Mountains. 
It sometimes reaches a diameter of ."> feet and a height of 17."> feet, of 
which two-thirds would be crown. The wood is white, light, medium 



ii'mmkk] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 103 

hard, and strong, and is brittle when green, but quite durable and 
splits easily. This spruce was positively determined only at one 
point in the reserve — namely, in the Nisqually Valley, near the west 
boundary — and it was from this that the upper limit of 1,800 feet was 
fixed. As its name indicates, its habitat is at lower elevations than 
those of the reserve. 

Pskudotsi < . \ i AMi'ni.iA Poir. (Yellow and red tin. 

There are two varieties of this species which are not distinct botan- 
ically, although the difference is recognized by luggers and mill men 
throughout the State. The yellow Hr grows from sea level toan altitude 
of 5,600 feet, and readies an extreme diameter of L3 feel and a height of 
300 feet, of which two-thirds is crown. The bark is very thick and 
deeply fissured. The thickest specimen of bark found measured 22 
inches on the radial line. The heartwood is yellow and the sapwood 
is white, quite heavy, hard, elastic, durable, and splits easily. The 
red fir, which grows to about the same altitude, does not exceed 7 feet 
in diameter and 225 feet in height, of which two-thirds is crown. 
The heartwood is salmon-red color and the sapwood is white or cream 
color. It is slightly heavier than the yellow fir, more resinous, and 
not so strong or elastic. When seen in the forest the red fir differs 
by Inning a thin bark of a lighter color, and in general does not 
present as rugged an appearance as the yellow fir. However, many 
specimens were found which were difficult to determine, and in indi- 
vidual trees it would not he easy to tell the difference between a thin- 
harked yellow firanda heavy-barked red fir. Manyof the larger trees' 
having a diameter of from 6 to !» feet are in process of decay, being 
from 500 to 800 years old. The hark is scaly and loose from the trunk 
at the butt, and the tops are dead. In estimating the amount of tim- 
ber per acre a due allowance was made for the above fact. This 
timber ranks first in commercial value among the timbers of this State 
by reason of its superior strength, wide distribution, and accessibility. 

In the Cowlitz Bottom a fallen fir tree was examined and found to 
be perfectly sound (excepting 2 inches of the exposed surface), although 
it had laid upon the ground for seventy-eight years, as testified by the 
age of a cedar tree which had grown over and straddled it. 

Thuja plicata Don. (Red cedar). 

This tree, which is also known as arbor vitse, has a range from sea 
level to 5,100 feet. The extreme diameter breast high was found to 
be 12 feet with a height of 17"> feet, of which three-fifths is crown. 
The heartwood is very light brown and the sapwood generally white. 
It is very light, soft, and is not strong nor elastic. It is very durable 
when exposed to moisture and is generally of straight grain, splitting 



1114 FOREST RESERVES. 

readily into shingles, shakes, and boards. It ranks next to the red 
and yellow fir commercially, and to the pioneer settlers in the valley 
ii i- the most valuable timber. 

At least 95 per cent of the larger cedars are hollow butted. They 
always have a swell butt. Of three hollow-butted cedars of 9-ieei in 
diameter the rate of growth, as shown by the shell of sound wood, 
averaged about ten years per inch radius. In several exceptional 
cases noted the rate of growth has been very rapid, as much as one- 
half inch per year for twenty years of successive growth. A fallen 
cedar tree 36 inches in diameter was observed to be perfectly sound, 
although another cedar tree 40 inches in diameter had grown over and 
straddled it. In swamps and swales it sometimes grows to the exclu- 
sion of other conifers, bul it does nut strictly form a forest of pure 
growth, being accompanied by alders and maple-. 

( iiAM.i -i-\ paris n> « »tk \ rEKSis i Lamb, i Spach i Alaska cedar). 

This tree is found between elevations of 2,600 and 7,400 feet. The 
extreme diameter is 3 feet and the height is LOO feet, of which three- 
fifths is crown. The wood from heart to the bark is yellow. Itis light, 
not very hard nor strong, but is more elastic than the red cedar and 
very durable, but does not split as easily. Generally the branches 
look scrubby and give the tree a poor appearance. The outer bark is 
in lone-, thin scales and the inner hark strips easily. It never forms a 
forest of pure growth, but is generally associated with the mountain 
fir, pine, and hemlock. ( renerally the areas on which this cedar grows 
have well-defined limits, but the tree seems to require certain condi- 
tions f >i soil and climate, preferring shady valleys and basins. This 
timber would be very valuable if more widely distributed and more 
accessible For turnings and tine woodwork it would excel, as its 
grain is even and straight, and its color uniform. It would be better 
material for lead pencils than many varieties of wool n ow used. 

Larix occidentals Nutt. (Tamarack). 

This tree is found between altitudes of 2,200 and 5,600 feet. 
Extreme diameter is V. feet and height 150 feet, of which one-half 
is crown. The heartwood has an orange tinge and the sapwood is 
white. It is heavy and hard, not very strong, but is durable and 
does not split easily. It sometimes forms a forest of pure growth on 
the sides of the river canyons, and such a forest was found upon the 
flat di\ide between the Naches and American rivers. The wood makes 
good tie timber, and i- largely used for fuel in eastern Washington. 
Probably this is the only timber tree of Washington which is not rep- 
resented on both sides of the Cascade Mountains. It is strictly an 
eastern-slope tree, and is the only representative of the deciduous 
ci 'niters in t he reserve. 



U. S GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 



TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT PART V PL XLII 



LEGEND 



Less than 10 percent of the forest 



About 25percent. of the forest 



About SOpercenl iifUieforvst "~ 




MOUNT RAINIER FOREST RESERVE 
WASHINGTON 

Showing distribution of red cedar 

( Thuja plieata) 

Prepared under the direction of Henry Gannett Geographer iucharge 

BY FRED. G.PLUMMER 

1899 



plummer.] MOUNT RAINIKU RESERVE, WASHINGTON. L05 

Taxits brevifolia Nutt. (Yew). 

This species of yew is found from sea level to an altitude of 1,200 
feet. Generally the diameter of the mature tree is about 12 inches, 
but a few individuals were found with a diameter of 2 feel and a 
heighl of 40 feet, of which three-fifths is crown. The heartwood 
is a deep red and the sapwood lias a narrow zone of cream-colored 
wood. It is very heavy, hard, and strong. It is exceptionally tough 
and durable when not exposed to extremes of moisture and dryness, 

and will not split after being seas 1. Although absolutely sound 

on the outside, one tree 14 inches in diameter was found to be badly 
split on concentric lines from the butt to a height of 25 feet. 

Fraxini/s oregona Nutt. (Ash). 

This tree has a range from sea level outside of the reserve to an 
elevation of 2,500 feet within the reserve. Its diameter is 3 feet and 
height so feet, of which two-thirds is crown. The wood is white, 
heavy, hard, but not very strong as compared with the eastern ash. 
It i- springy and quite durable when seasoned. It splits easily and is 
used for firewood by the settlers. The only large quantity was found 
in the "Big Bottom" of Cowlitz Valley, where it is associated with 
maples and alders. 

Acer macrophyelum Pursh. (Maple). 

This maple is found from sea level to an elevation of 3,300 feet. 
The extreme diameter is 5 feel with a heighl of 30 feet, three-fourths 
to se\ en-eighths of which is crown. The heartwood is straw color and 
the sapwood is white. It is not heavy, but is quitehard, although the 
tree is locally known as the soft maple. The wood is strong. It forms 
small groves of pure growth in the Cowlitz Bottom, but is generally 
associated \\ ith the ash, yew . and alder. 

Porn. i s trichocarpa Torr. and Gr. (Cottonwood). 

This tree grows from sea level to an elevation of 4,200 feet. The 
greatest diameter i- .'> feet and the height 175 feet, of which two-thirds 
is emu n. The heartwood is of a hull' color and the sapwood is white. 
It is light, and is not hard or strong; in fact, it lias no quality to 
recommend it commercially as a timber wood, hut has been extensively 
used in the manufacture of paper pulp. 

Popultjs tremuloides Michx. (Quaking aspen). 

This tree is found in the wet swales and bottoms, ami lias an alti- 
tudinal range from 2,500 to 5,800 feet. It does not exceed 20 inches in 
diameter, with a height of 60 feet, of which one-half is crown. The 



10*3 FOREST RESERVES. 

wood is white and soft and of little or no value commercially. All of 
the large trees examined were rotten at the butt, although they looked 
clean and healthy outside. 

QUEKCUS GARRYANA DoUgl. (Oak). 

This oak is the only one of its species found in the reserve, and, 
unless the ash and yew lie included, it is the only hardwood tree rep- 
resented. Generally the trees are small, with short trunks, and offer 
nothing to the lumbermen, but a few individuals were noted with diam- 
eters of 2 feel and a height of 50 feet. They are seen at their bes< on 
the eastern slope in the watershed of the Klickitat River near Hell 
Roaring Canyon. This oak is considered first-class fuel, and has been 
cut extensively along the ( !olumbia River (outside the reserve) for this 
purpose. 

i; \\<;i. OF TREE SPECIES. 

The accompanying diagram (PI. XLI) shows in a gi'aphic way the 
altitudinal range of the species of timber trees found in the reserve. 
The <latum is given as sea le\ el. and those species which extend outside 
the reserve to tide water are so shown upon the diagram. 

The lines showing each species have been widened into forms which 
are intended to show by their width the relative development of the 
species. This diagram was compiled from observations taken at 521 
locations, ranging in altitude from 700 to 8,200 feet. 

The name of each species is placed in the zone to which the tree 
belongs. 

RATE OF GROWTH OF TIMBER TREES. 

The average rate of growth of all the conifers, as determined by 
measuring oxer 8,000 annual rings, is o.o74l of an inch per year. 

In the table which follows the number of annual rings is given for 
each 3 inches of radius, and therefore show an increase or decrease in 
the rate of growth. For example, Pinus murrayana, according to 
the table, shows an increase in the number of rings for each 3 inches 
of radius. Therefore the rings are closer together near the bark than 
at the heart, and the rate of growth decreases with ace. 

When the diameter of a tree was over 36 inches, the measurements 
are continued in regular order on the lines below, as in the case of 
Pst Kili)tsin/<i taxifolia. 



MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 



10; 



Table shotoing rate of growth oftimbi r trees. 



Name of tree. 


= 
5 




S^ 


Numberof rings counted on radius 
from the center. 




m 


"f 


a 


a 
3 


j° 


! 


Age of 

tree. 




In. 

22 
16 
25 

::n 
22 
1<| 
14 
19 
18 
9 
13 
14 
201 

9 1 
22 

17 
31 
20 
12 
11 
20 


151 
20 
12 
20 
17 
11 
14 
15 
10 
19 
10 
31 
29 


In. 
i 

i 


In. 
1\ 

231 

17 


36 
15 
19 
29 

27 
41 
34 
45 
26 
18 
130 
133 
85 
41' 
4S 
27 
37 
56 
16 
71 
68 
132 
40 
71 
40 
74 
52 
64 
119 
60 
60 
40 
38 
34 
64 
30 


11 
13 
19 
36 
33 
41 
38 
50 
31 
28 










Veais 

47 


Do... 

Do 

I'in as ponderosa 

Do 

Do 

Piiius nnirravaiia 

Do 

Do 


17 
17 
13 
28 
til 
82 
62 
45 
54 


12 


57 
55 
154 
193 
202 
193 
157 
107 

100 

1 85 
267 
245 

191 
SI 
65 
67 

174 

55 

96 

141 
288 
68 
171' 
234 
179 
169 
214 
217 


•_' 29 
2j 36 
2 26 
il 19J 
! 14', 
1 191 
! 181 

i n 

i 14 
I 15 
| 21 

I 10 
1 22^ 

| 17'. 


39 
38 
59 
39 


52 


15 






5 






Do 






Pinus albicaulis 

Do 








99 
115 
44 
33 
15 
18 
36 
20 
25 
73 
88 
28 
51 
60 
105 
37 
(17 
98 
50 
4S 
41 
43 
14 
70 
24 


35 

45 
59 








Do 






Do 


16 




Do 






14 
12 
28 
13 


9 




Do 




Do 


1 
1 
'. 

| 
' 


33 
201 
13 

Ll| 

I'd; 
Hi' 


24 
6 


24 6 




Do 




Do 








Do 


55 


13 




Do 

Do 

Al iif- concolor 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Abies lasiocarpa 

Do 





1 16 
1 22 

| 'Mi 


50 

96 






38 










53 
83 


27 






1 

I 

3 

i 

3 
i 

1 


19 
llf 

151 
161 
11 
20 

In 1 . 

33 
301 












10 

17 








120 








125 


Do 

Do 








si 


70 








151 


Do 






, 


48 


Tsuga mertensiana 

Do 


65 
25 


63 
36 


84 
41 


12 

.... 


358 
156 



" Is FOREST RESERVES. 

Table showing rate, of growth of timber frees— Continued. 



I 



! pattoniana Hi 

Do 13 

Picea engelmanni 13J 

Do .■ 29 

1'-' 20 

Pseudotsuga taxifolia 72 

Do 

Do 120 L8 

Do.. 

Do 

Do 



84 






38 



38 



31 



Do.. 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Thuja plicata. 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do... 
< !hamrecyparis tkatensis - 192 

Do .. 

"" 28J 

D( 22 

occidentalis m 

Fraxinus oregona . .. 24 

Do 26j 

Do 5 

Do 10* 



a Rings i o 



44 



13 



' 1 



!0 
j 20 
; 192 
I 294 



54 
58 
65 
30 
30 
39 
10 
9 
31 
18 
32 
38 
73 
15 
li 
Jl 
19 
17 
in 
58 
18 
l'ii 

34 1 34J 26 

40 | 402 



li' 9 
10 11 
22 35 



18 .'in , 38 16 



17 34 ! 



54 


62 


18 




22 


14 


■j- 


10 


21 


21 



98 28 

13 17 



7 1 90 

1 l 32 

25 12 

25 29 



176 

148 



106 

141 



108 
108 
118 



362 
388 

182 
97 

113 

254 

272 

230 

380? 

283 

7u 
142 
I4S 

34 

(il 



plummer.] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 109 

Table shouting rale of growth oftimbt r tr< es — < 'ontinued. 



Name of tree. 


| 
S 


c 
E-i 


\ 

•5 


Eh 


Number of rings counted on radius 
from the center. 




1 


| 


a 


.= 


1 


3 


\ .■■■ i ■; 
i rei . 


Acer macrophyllum 

Do 


In. 
11 
28 

6 

8 
23 
14 
18 

4 

5 

16 
10 

9J 

4 

6 

51 

4 

4 
4 


In. 
A 
1 
i 
I 
U 
i 

3 

4 

J 

: 

i 
i 

: 
; 

4 
! 

1 


In. 
12 

30 
ti.l 
9 

2oJ 

15 

19J 
4} 
5 J 

16} 

L0| 

10 
41 
61 
53 

41 
VI 

4J 

41 


6S 
48 
62 
33 
20 
24 
30 
53 
68 
63 

36 

48 
60 
44 
.Ml 
4, 
18 
32 


35 
23 










Krars, 
103 
1 58 
62 
43 
84 
53 
86 
53 
68 
179 
158 
59 
48 
60 
44 
50 
48 
18 
32 


26 


38 


23 




Do 


Populus trichocarpa 

Do 

Populus tremuloides 

Do 


10 
21 
21 
26 










17 

8 

30 


26 






















Do 

Do 

Do 








53 

81 
23 


63 


















Pyrus rivularis 

Rhamnus purshiana 

Do 
































Do .. 


7 




















Cornus nuttallii 









DEFECTS AND DISEASES OF TIMBER TREES. 

About 5 per cent of the forest stand within the reserve is composed 
of (load snags scattered through the green and Live growth. This con- 
dition is common to all forests, as it results from the fact that trees 
die. The cause, however, is not only that of final maturity, for the 
great majority of these standing snags were young or middle-aged 
trees, many of which died from lack of light and air — killed by their 
more vigorous neighbors. 

Individual cases were noted where camp tires had run up and killed 
single trees, also where lightning had struck and killed trees without 
the fire spreading. Not uncommonly a heavy fall of snow will break 
the upper branches of a tree, and these falling will strip the trunk of 
all foliage — a setback that only a vigorous and well-situated conifer 
can survive. 



110 FOREST RESERVES. 

In those areas where the soil is excessively moist, a common defect 
is the hollow butt or ground rot. In such places the root hold is not 
good, and the conifers, lacking the taproot, compensate by developing 
an enormous growth of roots on a plane conforming- with the surface 
of the ground, thus increasing the base area upon which they stand. 
Such trees have the •'swell butts," and it is not unusual to see a tree 
of which a section made at the surface of the ground would have from 
five to ten times the area of a parallel section made 15 feet above it. 
In these swell butts there is no straight-grain lumber and the wood is 
coarse, resulting from the rapid growth, which in the case of the red 
cedar ( Tfbuja plicatd) amounts to as much as one-half inch annually. 

In logging, it is customary to cut the trees above the swell butts. 
leaving on the stump thai portion of the trunk with the decayed 
center, and in the case of the firs to reject the sappy base of the tree. 
Cedars with decayed butts generally show dead tops, hut this is of 
minor interesl to the lumberman, who seldom cuts logs far into the 
crown. 

In the ideal forest of the lumberman the trees have clear trunks 
to 100 or L25 feet of height and the crowns form a continuous cover 
as seen either from below or above. Seldom is the seedling in such a 
forest able to compete under such conditions, for the existence of 
such a forest means the elimination of perhaps a hundred seedlings 
before supremacy in the sapling Stage had been established, and the 
final elimination of at least 90 per cent of the saplings before each 
successful tree grows skyward in the final competition for light. In 
areas where this severe competition does not obtain, the tree trunks are 
'" limby," and even when the t runks appear clear at first glance the logs 
contain "pin knots." which, running through the heartwood, renderthe 
lumber second or third class. Large trees standing in the open, where 
the winds have greater effect, generally throw very few limbs toward 
the prevailing winds, but compensate on the protected side. The 
growth of the trunk is then eccentric to the heart and the lumber is 
not even grained. In the higher and more exposed areas the trees are 
often without limbs on the storm side, generally the southwest side, 
and i he trees are stunted, as described elsewhere in this report. 

It can not be said that the giant shelf fungus [Polyporus sp.) is a 
factor in killing or even in hastening the death of the large dead 
timber upon which it is found. Of the many hundreds id' these fungi 
that were observed, not one was found upon a living tree. The 
arceuthobium, on the contrary, attacks the living trees, and its range 
of activity appears not to be limited by altitude. It is a parasite on 
the foliage of the pines, firs, and hemlocks of eastern Washington, 
and in some cases, particularly on the mountain fir {Abies lasiocarpa), 
will cover the entire tree and. turning the foliage a red color, makes 
the tree a conspicuous object. 




A. PINES AND RED FIR. 










JED FIR IN COWLITZ BOTTUM 



MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 



Ill 



ESTIMATES OF TIMBER. 

WHITE RIVER WATERSHED. 
Density of timber in Whitt River watershed, Washington. 



stand in feet B M per 
acre. 


Number <•( 


Total stand 






F, ■ t B. M 


to 2,000 


33, 570 


33,570,000 


2, 000 to 5,000 


18,600 


65, 100,000 


5, 000 to 10,000 


16, 45(1 


123,375,000 


10,000 to :•■">. 1 


29, I5(i 


510, L25, 1 


25, 000 to 50, 000 


16, 000 


600,000,000 


50,0011 to 100,000 

Ti >tal 


20,850 


L, 563, 750, 000 


134,620 


2,895,920,000 





Average stand per acre for entire watershed, is. 544 feet B. M. 

Area of timbered and other lands in WhiU Rivi r watt rshed, Washingto 



Timbered area 
Burned area . . 
Glaciers 



Timberless area 

T. >tal 

Proportions and amounts oftimbi r species in White River watershed, II th' 



Acres. 
134,620 
10,200 

8,900 
2, 440 

156, 160 

gton. 



1 
Proportion. 


Amount. 


Red or yellow fir 


Per cent. 
45 
25 
15 
5 
3 
2 

5 


Feet B.M. 
1,303, 164,000 
723,980,000 
434,388,000 
144,796,000 
86,877,600 
57,918,400 

144.796,000 


Red cedar 

Engelmann spruce 

White pine 

Alaska cedar 


Lovelv fir 


Mountain fir 

Mountain hemlock 

Total 


100 


2, 895, 920, 000 







112 



FOREST RESERVES 



PUYALLUP RIVER WATERSHED. 

"./:.. i hed, Washington. 



Stand in feel B M 




Total stand 






/..( B. -V. 


Oto 2,000 




30, 160,000 


2, 000 to 5,000 


26,770 


93,695,000 


5,000to 10,000 


11. 150 


83,625, 


10,000 to 25,000 


8,500 


l is. 750,000 


25, 000 to 50,000 


10,900 


408, 750,000 


50,000 to 100, 000 


12.470 


935, 250,000 


Total 


99 950 


1. 700; 230, 000 



stand per acre for entire watershed, 14,428 feet B. M. 
Irea of timbered and other lands in Puyallup watershed, Washi) 



Timbered area . 
Burned ai 

< ilaciers 

Timberless an a 



Total 



Proportions and amounts of timber species in Puyallup Rirer watershed 




- i ., . ■ : , . 


Proportion. A "Tit. 


Red or vellovt fir 


/■'. , I 1: .V. 
50 850,115,000 


Red cedar 


10 
5 
3 

5 


170,023,000 
85,011,500 
51,006,900 
14,004,1 

S5,01 1,500 


Xoble fir 


u lute fir 


ka cedar 

Lovely fir 


Engelmann spruce 


Mountain hemlock 
White pine 






Total 


100 


1,700,230, 





MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 

NISQUALLY RIVER WATERSHED. 

Density of timber in Nisqually River watershed, Washington. 



113 



Stand in feet B. M. per acre. 


Number of 
acres. 


Total stand. 


Oto 2,00(1 

2, 000 to 5, 000 

5, 000 to 10, 000 

10, 000 to 25, 000 

25, 000 to 50,000 

50, 000 to 100, 000 


16, 610 
3,360 
6, 770 
5,960 
6,370 


F< i I />'. .1/. 
16,610,000 

11,760,(10(1 

50, 775, 000 

104, 300, 000 

238, 875, 000 






Total 


39, 070 


422, 320, 000 



Average stand per acre for entire watershed, 5,414 feet B. M. 

Area of limbi red and other lands in NisquaMy Rim- init,r>h, >/, Washington. 

Aires. 

Timbered area 39, 070 

Burned area 27, 810 

Glaciers 8, 100 

Timberless area 3, 020 



Total 78, 000 

Proportions and amounts of timber species in Nisqually River watershed, Washington. 



Species. 


Proportion. 


Amount. 


Red or yell >\v fir 


Pt r Ct lit 

50 

25 
10 

4 
1 

5 


F, (1 B. .1/. 

211. 100. i 

L05,580,000 
42,232,000 
21,116,000 
16, 892, 800 
4,223.200 

21, 110, i 




White fir 








Engelmann spruce 


Mountain hemlock 

White pine 

Total 


100 


122.320,000 



21 GEOL, PT 5- 



114 



FOREST RESERVES. 



COWLITZ RIVER WATERSHED. 
Density of limb< r in < 'oivlitz River watersht d, Washington. 



Stand in feet B. M. per acre. 


Number of 


Total stand. 






F. 1 1 ;:. .V 


to 2,000 


37, 850 


,0,000 


'.'.(Kin to 5,000 


96,380 




to in, iiiiii 


12,540 


94,050,000 


10,000 to 25,000 


47, 610 


833, 175,000 


25,000 to .Mi. nun 


3, 721 1 


L39, 500, ( 


Ml. I to KHI.OIMI 

Total 




192,000,000 




1,633,! 



Average stand per acre for entire watershed, 5,611 feet 11. M. 

r waU rshed, Washington. 

Acres. 

Timbered area 

Burned area . 86, 900 

Glaciers 2,900 

740 



Timberless area 



Total 291, 200 

Proportions a ■': A'"-' r watt rsh '/. n 



Species. 


Proportion. 


Amount. 


Red i ir yellow fir 


Pi r cent. 
55 
25 

"> 
5 

1 
1 


fed J:. M. 
S98.647, 750 
W8, 176,250 
81,695, 250 
81,695,250 
65,356,200 
16,339,050 

81,695,250 




White tit- 










Mountain hemlock 


Total 


L00 


1,633,905,000 





n.I'MMER.] 



MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 

CISPUS RIVER WATERSHED. 
Density of timber in Cispus River watershed, Washington 



115 



Stand in feel B. M. p. i ai n 


**%£<* Total stand. 


lit.. 2,000 
2, COO to 5,000 

5,000to L0, 

in. to 25,000 

25,000 to 50,000 
50,000 to 100,000 


27, inn 
64,200 
24,300 
76,800 


F( 1 1 B. M. 

27,400,000 

224, run. 

182,250, i 

1,344,000 






Total 


192,700 1,778,350,000 



Average stand per acre tor entire watershed, 7,535 feel B. M. 

Area of timbered and other lands in Cispus Rivi ' gton. 

Timbered an -a 192,700 

Burned area 13,000 

Glaciers 100 

Timberless area 200 



Total 236,000 

Proportions and amounts of timber species in Cispus !'■•< Uershed, Washington. 





Proportion Amount. 


Red or yellow fir 


/'. r a «i. 

45 

30 

in 

5 

5 

5 


Feet B. M. 
800,257,500 
533,505,000 
177,835 

88, 91i 

88,917,500 

88,917,500 












Mountain hemlock 




Total 


LOO 


1,778,350,000 





111! 



FOREST RESERVES. 

LEWIS RIVER WATERSHED. 
Density of timber in Lewis River watershed, Washington. 



Stand in feet B. M. per 

a erf. 


Number of 

arrt'S. 


Total stand. 


Oto 2,000 

2, 000 to 5,000 

5, 000 to 10,000 

10, 000 to 25,000 

25,000to 50,000 

50,1 to LOO, 000 

Total 


1.4,730 
is, 150 
61 , 810 

7,900 
54, 730 

1,620 


Feet /■'. If 

14,730,000 
169, 575, 000 
163,575,000 
138,250,000 
2,052,375,000 
121,50(1.11011 


189,240 


2, 960, 005, 000 





Average stand per acre for entire watershed, 13,295 feet B. M. 

Area of I other lands in Lewis Iiiixr wtiterxfa-d, Washington, 

Acres. 

Timbered area 189, 240 

Burned area 32,360 

Glaciers 350 



Timberless area 



690 



Total 222, 640 

Proportions and amounts of timber species in Lewis River watershed, Washington. 



Specii s. 




Ami mm. 


Red or yellow tit- 


i; r •; nt. 

50 
20 
15 
5 
5 

5 


Feet i: M 
1, 180,002,500 

.'.OL'.iiol. I 

444,000, 750 
148,000,250 
148,000,250 

148,000,250 








White fir 




Mountain hemlock 

White pine 

Total 


100 


2, 960, 005, 000 





MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE. WASHINGTON. 

WASHOUGAL RIVER WATERSHED. 
Density of timber in \Yaxli<>ii,/nl liin-r imtrrshrd, Washington. 



i r 



Stain] in feet B. M. per 
iCTt 


Number of 
acres. 


Total stand. 


Oto 2,000 
2, 000 to 5,000 

•"..HI "Mm HI. 

Hi. mint,, 25,000 
25, 000 to 50,000 
50,000 to 100, 000 

Total 




Feet B. SI. 






2,370 


17, 775. 000 






910 


68,250,000 


3,280 


86, 025, 000 





Average stand per acre for entire watershed, 26,227 feet B. M. 
\r,;i of watershed, till timbered, 3,280 acres. 

Proportions and amounts of timber species in Washougal River watershed, Washington. 



Species. Proportion. 


Amount. 


Red or yellow rir 


Percent. 
30 
25 
25 
15 

1 5 


Feel r. i/. 
25,807,500 
21,506,250 
21,506,250 
12,903,750 

4,301,250 








White fir 




Ti ital 


100 


86,025,000 





ROCK CREEK WATERSHED. 
Density of timber in Rock Cm I: n-at, ,■*/,,</. Washington. 



Stand in [eel B, M pi r acn 


Number of 


Total stand 


Oto 2,000 
2, 000 to 5, 000 

5.IIOO to L0, i 

10, 000 to 25, 000 
25, 000 to 50,000 
50, 000 to 100, 000 

Total 




Feet 11. M. 






690 


5, 175,000 


690 

).i,i,ii 


25, 875, 000 
349, 500, 000 


6,040 


380, 550, 000 



Average stand per acre for entire watershed. 63,005 feet B. M. 
Area of watershed, all timbered, 6,040 acres. 



118 FOREST RESERVES. 

Proportion* and amounts of timber species in Rock Creek watershed, Washington. 



Species 


Proportion, 


Amount. 


Red or yellow tir 


Per cent. 
30 
25 

L'5 
15 

5 


Feet /;.-!/. 
114,165,000 
95, 137,500 
95,137,500 
57,082,500 

19,027,500 








White fir 


White i>ine 


T. ital 


100 


380, 550, 000 



WIND RIVER WATERSHED. 
fi ii /. rshi </. Washington. 



Standin feet B. M.peracre. 


Number of 


Total stand. 


Oto 2,000 
2,000to 5,000 

5,000to L0, 

10. 000 to 25,000 
25, 000 to 50,000 
50, 000 to 100, 000 

Total 


21,810 
7,970 
3, 220 
17,700 
52,900 
18, 130 


Feet B. M. 

21,810,000 

27,895,000 

24, L50.000 

309, 750,000 

L, 983, 750, 000 

1,382,250,000 


122,030 


3, 749, 605, 000 



Average stand per acre for entire watershed, 25,858 feet B. M. 

A i'<i of timbt r "ml oth< r hi mis in tin Wind Rivi r nut: rshi 'I, Washington. 

teres, 

Timbered ana 122,030 

Bumed area 22, "■ * T * » 



Total 145,000 



imii] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 119 

Proportions and amounts oftimbi r species in Wind Rivi r watershed, Washington. 



Species. 


Proportion. 


Amount. 


Red or yellow fir 


Percent. 

45 
15 
10 


Fa 1 1',. M. 
1,687,322,250 
562,440,750 
374,960,500 
374,960,500 
L87,480,250 
187, 180,250 
187,480,250 

187,480,250 






10 


White fir 


5 
5 
5 






Lodgepole pine 


Mountain hemlock 

Engelmann spruce 


I 5 


T. tta] 


100 


3,749,605, 



LITTLE WHITE SALMON RIVER WATERSHED. 
Density of timber in Little WMU Salmon River watershed, Washington. 



Stand in feet B. M. per acre. 


Number of 

Ml. - 


Total stand 


to 2,000 
2,000 to 5,000 
5,000 to 10,000 

10,000 to 25, ) 

25,000 to 50,000 
50,000 to 100,000 

Total 


16, 080 

39, 590 

4,720 

6,430 


Feet /;. M. 
16, 080, 000 

L38.565, ' 

35,400,000 

111'. 525,000 










66, 820 


302, 570, 000 



Average stand per acre for entire watershed, 4,223 feet B. M. 

Area of timbered and other lands in Little Whiii Salmon River watershed, Washington. 

Acres. 

Timbered area 66, 820 

Burned area t, 830 



H,650 



120 



FOREST RESERVES. 



Proportions and amounts of timber species in Litth While Salmon Hirer watershed, 
Washington. 





Proportion. 


Amount. 


Red or yellow fir 

Hemlock 


Percent. 
55 
10 
10 
5 
5 
5 

3 

5 


I ■> ( t B. M. 

L66, 113,500 
30,257,000 
30,257,000 
L5, L28,500 
15, 128,500 
15.128,500 
9,077, 100 
6,051,400 

15,128,500 






Engelmann spruce 

White fir 










Mountain hemlock 


J 


Total. 


100 


302,570,000 



WHITE SALMON RIVER WATERSHED. 
of timber in WhiU Salmon River watershed, Washington. 



Stand mi feel V. M per 
ai re. 


Number of 


Total stand. 






Feet B. M. 


to 2,000 


13,370 


13,370,000 


2,000 to •">. i 


23,670 


82,845,000 


5,000 to 10,000 


: 


229,875,1 


10,000 to 25,000 


5,990 


104,825,000 


25,000 to 50,000 


2, 890 


108,375,000 


to LOO, 

Total 










76,570 


539,290,000 



Average stand per acre for entire watershed, 5,106 feet B. M. 
Area of timbered and other lands in White Salmon River watershed, Washington. 

Acres, 

Timbered area 76,570 

Burned area 27,200 

Glaciers 450 

Timberless area ] , 380 

Ti 1 al 105, 600 



plummer.] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 121 

Proportions and amounts of Umber species in Whih Salmon River watershed, Washington. 



Species, Proportion. 


Amount. 




/'< r C( ft. 

40 
30 
10 
5 
4 
3 
3 

5 


Feet II. M. 
215, 710,000 
101, 787,000 
53,929,000 
26,964,500 
21,571,000 
16, 178,700 
16, 178, 700 

26, 964, 500 










Noble lir 


White fir 




Lodgepole pine 

Engelmann spruce 


Mountain hemlock 

Total 


100 


539, 290, 000 





KLICKITAT RIVER WATERSHED. 
Density of timber in Klickitat River watershed, Washington. 



Stand in feet B. M. per 
acre 


Number of 
acres. 


Total stand. 


to 2, 000 

2, 000 to 5, 000 

5,000 to 10,000 

10,000 to 25,000 

25, 000 to 50, 000 

50,000 to 100,000 

Total 


29,580 
31, 660 

15, 070 
35, 440 
17, 600 

4.400 


/; 1 1 /;. .v. 
29,580,000 
110, Sill, ooo 
113,025,000 
620, 200, 000 
660, 000, 000 
334,500,000 


133, 810 


1,868, 115,000 





Average stand per acre for entire watershed, 11.0,.") feet B. M. 

Arm of Umbered and other lands in Klickitat River watershed, Washington. 

AerOFJ. 

Timbered area 133, 810 

Burned area 30, 230 

( naciera 1, 400 

Timberless area 3, 240 



Total 168, 680 



122 FOREST RESERVES. 

Proportions and amounts of timbi r species in Klickitat Rin r watt rsln d, Washington. 



• 


Propi >rtion. 


Aim 'tint. 




Percent. 
55 
20 
10 
5 
5 

5 


r. , i /;. it. 
1,027, 463,250 
373,623,000 
186,811,500 
93, 405, 750 
93, 105,750 

93, 105, 750 


Red or vellow fir 




Mountain hemlock 

White fir 


Hemlock 

Engelmann spruce 


Lovely fir 

Red cedar 




Total 


1110 


1,868, 115,000 









ATANUM RIVER WATERSHED. 
Density of timbi - i i n River watershed, Washington. 



1 feet B, M per 
acre, 


Number of 
acres. 


Total stand. 


ti to 2,000 
2,000 to 5,000 
:,.iiihi to 1.0,000 
10,000 to 25,000 

25, ( t ,000 

50, to 100,000 

Total 


12,790 
13,240 


Feet B. V. 
12, 790,000 
46,340,000 
















1 


26,030 


59, 130,000 





;i stand per acre for entire watershed, 1,454 feel I!. M. 

I a of timbered and other lands in Atanum River watershed, Washington. 

Acres. 

Timbered area 26, 030 

Burned area 14, 630 



Total 4i i, 660 



I'LUMMEE. 



MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 123 

Proportions and amounts of timber species in Atanum River watershed, Washington. 



Species. 


Proportion. 


Amount. 




Pt r '■'. nt. 
60 
15 
10 


F. ■ t B. U. 
35, 178,000 
8,869,500 
5. 913. 000 


Red or yellow fir 




5 2.956.500 


Mountain hemlock 


3 
2 

5 


1. 77::. '.ion 
1,182,600 

2, 956, 51 K i 


White tir 


Engel inarm spruce 

White pine . _ ■. 

Red cedar 


Total 


100 


59, 130, 000 





TIETON RIVER WATERSHED. 
Density of timber in Tieton River watershed, Washington. 



Stand in feet B.M. per acre. 


Number of 
acres. 


Total stand. 


to 2,000 

2, nOOto 5,000 

5, it., in, 00(1 

in, (inn to 25,000 
25, 000 to 50, 000 
50,000 to 100, < 

Total 


15,270 
71,520 

29, 970 
4,610 

940 


Feet B. M. 
4.".. 270, 000 

250, :!2n 

224,775,000 
80, 675, 000 
35,250,000 






152, 310 


636, 290, 000 





Average stand per acre for entire watershed, 3,765 feet B. M. 

Area oflimh red and otlu r land in Tieton Rivi r watershed, Washington. 

Acres. 

Timbered area 152, 310 

Burned area 1 - 16, 370 

Timberless area - - 320 



Total - - 169,000 



124 FOREST RESERVES. 

Proportion) and amounts of timber species in Tieton River watershed, Washington. 



Species. 


Proportion. 


Amount. 




Pi ..■■ <■■ nt. 

50 

10 

5 


F( . 1 B. M. 

318,145,000 

222,701,500 

63,629,000 

31,814,500 


Red or yellow fir 




Engelmann spruce 

White fir 




Lodgepole pine 


Mountain hemlock 

Alaska cedar 


Total 


100 


636. 290, 000 



NACHES RIVER WATERSHED. 

itersh d, Washington. 



Stand in feet 


Number of 
acres. 


Total stand. 


0to 2,000 
2, 000 to 5,000 
5, 000 to 10,000 

25,000 to 50,000 
00 to 100,000 


L08,£ 

1.88,300 
16,000 

5, lin 


/.'. M. 

ins. 500,000 

659,050,000 

120,000, 

94,675,000 




T..tal 




318,210 982.225.000 









Average stand per acre for entire watershed, 3,002 feet B. M. 

of timbered and other lands in Nach i Rivi r watt rshed, Washington. 

Acres. 

Timber© 1 area 318, 210 

Burned area 7,510 

Timberless area 1, 450 



Total. 



327, 170 



mmki: I MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 125 

Proportions and amounts of timber ,-j»nVs //( Xaehes Hirer irnt, rshe/l, Wuxliinijton. 



Species. 


Proportion. Amount. 




Pt >■ ct nt. 

45 

20 
5 

•5 


/'. ■ ( B. M. 
442,001,250 
245, 556, 250 
196, 445, 000 
49,111,250 

49,111,250 


Red or yellow tir 














White fir 




Mountain hemlock 

Engelmann spruce 






Total 


100 


982, 225, 000 





YAKIMA RIVER WATERSHED. 
Density of timber in Yakima Hirer watershed, Washington. 



Stand in feet B. M. per 
acre. 


Number of 


Total stand. 


2,000 

2, 000 to 5, 000 

5, 000 to 10,000 

10, 000 to 25,000 

25,000 to 50,000 

50, 000 to 100, 000 

Total 


3,250 

4,430 


!■■■ < i /;. m. 
3, 250, 000 
15, 505, 000 










7, 680 


is, 755,000 





Average stand per acre for entire watershed, 2,442 feet B. M. 
Area of watershed, all timbered, 7.680 acres. 



126 FOREST RESERVES. 

Proportions and a, mm, its of timber species in Yakima /.' d, Washington. 



Species. 


Proportion. 


Amount. 




/'. r • i in. 
45 
30 
Id 
10 

5 


B. .V. 

- i !9, 750 
5,626,500 
1,875,500 
1,875,500 

937 


Red or vellow fir 


Engelmann spruce 

Mountain hemlock 


White fir 








Total 


100 


18,755,000 





SUMMARY OF ESTIMATES. 



-lied. 






Total. 




il 

291,200 

236, ) 

222,640 
3,280 
6,040 

71,650 

168,680 
10,660 

327,170 
7,680 


Feet B.M. 
IS. 544 
14,428 
5.414 
5,611 
7. 535 
13,295 
26, 227 
63,005 
25, 858 
4,223 
5, 106 
11,075 
1,454 
:;. 765 
3,002 


B. AT. 

2,895,920,000 

1,700,230,000 

422,320,000 

905,000 

i0, 

2,960,005 

86,025,000 

380,550,000 

3,749,605,000 

302,57 

539,290,000 

1,868, 115,000 

59, 130,000 

636,290,000 

■..in in 














Rock Creek 


Little White Salmon River 












2.442 18,755,000 


Total 


2, 146 


9,323 '0.013.285. 









PLUMMER.] 



MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 



127 



Total timber estimates, arranged by species oftr 



Feet B.M. 

Red or yellow fir 8, 555, 218, 751 1 

Hemlock 3,533,642,000 

Yellow pine 2,062,371,750 

Red cedar 1,317,078,500 

Noble fir 1,247,883,500 

Lovely fir 749, 267, 500 

White fir 538, 735, 000 

White pine 519,518,000 



Feet B. M. 
512,385,000 
280,677,000 
271,785,000 
200, 130,000 
151,326,000 
■ 73,267,000 

T. ttal 20, 013. 285, 1 00 



Tamarack 

Mountain hemlock . 
Engelmann spruce. . 

Mountain fir 

\ [aska cedar 

Lodgepole pine 



COMMERCIAL USES OF TIMBERS. 

In importance, all things considered, the principal timber trees of 
the reserve will at this time rank commercially in the following order: 

Commercial rank of timber trees in Mutrni Unini, r ];, sm . Washington. 

Red or yellow fir (Pseudotsuga taxifolia |. 
Red cedar (Thuja plicata). 
Tide-land Bpruce (Picea aitchensis). 
Yellow pine (Pinua ponderosa). 
White pine (Pinus monticola). 
Noble fir (Abies nobilis |. 
Lovely fir (Abies amabalis I. 
White fir l Abies concolor). 
Hemlock (Tsuga merteneiana) . 
Tamarack (Larix occidentalis). 

The above order results from size, quantity, and accessibility of the 
trees and the properties of the various woods. 

If arranged in the order of the desirable properties of the woods 
and ignoring the question of size, quantity, and accessibilitj', the tim- 
bers will take rank as follows: 



Rank of timbi r trees in ordt r of desirable pro 



1. Alaska cedar 

2. Noble fir 

:;. Tideland spruce 

4. White pine 

5. Red eedar 

6. Red or yellow fir 



7. Lovely fir 

8. Hemlock 

9. Yellow pine 

10. White fir 

11. Tamarack. 



128 



FOREST RESERVES. 



The uses to which the various woods are generally put are as follows: 

Bridge timbers Red and yellow fir. 

Lumber Red and yellow fir, red cedar, tide- 
land spruce, yellow pine, white 
pine, noble fir, lovely fir. 

Red cedar, white fir. 

- Red fir. 

Telegraph poles Red cedar. 

Railroad tie? Tamarack, red and yellow tir. 

white pine, red cedar. 

Fence posts and fuel All kinds. 

Taper pulp The following trees in the order of 

their importance: Tideland 
spruce, cottonwood, quaking 
aspen, white fir, red and yellow 
fir, hemlock, maple. 

Furniture and cabinetwork In addition to the lumber woods 

enumerated some oak. ash. and 
maple have been used. 

M V.RKETS \M> IM.M( ES. 

In the absence of railroads and other well-established linos of travel 

the various divisions of the reserve are, by watersheds, commercially 

tributary to the outlying markets, namely, Tacoma, Chehalis, Portland. 

v r th Yakima. The following tables show these watersheds and 

the markets which they at present would naturally supply. 

■jiun. 



1 

Waters Tributary t,»— 


White River 156,160 

Puvallup River 

N'isquallv River 78,000 

Cowlitz River 291,200 

Cispus River 236, 000 

Lewis River 


Tacoma. 

Do. 

Do. 
Tacoma or Chehalis. 

Portland. 
Do. 
Do. 

Do. 
Do. 

North Yakima. 
Do. 


igal River 

River 

Wind River 

Little White - 


White Salmon River 

Klickitat River - - 




River 169, 000 

Xaches River 327, 1 70 

a River 



plummer.] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTO 

Prices of fir lumber in markets adjacent to Mount Rainier Reserr, 



n. L29 

■, Washington. 



Prices of cellar run from 25 to 4it per cent mure than above. 
Prices of spruce run from Hi to 50 per cent more than above. 
Prices of hemlock run same as fir i no demand 
Shingles cost from $1 to $3 per thousand, according to quality. 

21 ceol, it 5 9 



Grade, 


SIzi . 


Finish. 


Per M feel B M.nt 


1 1 w 

Portl t. 

$7. 50 
L0.50 

L9.00 

1 t.nn 

1 .".. 51 1 
13.50 

12.00 

Ki.iiii 
8.50 

7.50 
6. 50 

111.5(1 

1.65 


North 
i'akima. 

$13.50 

111. .Ml 

24.50 
19.50 

19.00 

17.(1(1 

17.(10 
15.00 

14.7.0 

14.7.0 
13.50 

14.7,0 
2. 75 


Common 


Inch, - 

I by 12 

do 




I ), , 




Flooring V. < ;. : 
Number 1 


1 by 4 


Dressed and matched. . . 
do 


do 


Ceiling: 

Number 1 

Number2 

Wainscoting: 

Number 1 


§ by 6 


Beaded and plain 

do 


do 


j by 4 




do 




Shiplap, common.. 
Fencing: 
Number] 

Number 2 

Pickets 


1 by s 




1 by 4 




do 




1 by 3 or 1 1 by 

H. 
| by 1' by 4 per 

i. 





Lath 







130 



FOREST RESERVES. 
Price of large or /•>»;/ dressed fir timbt rs at Tacoma. 



Size. 


Length. 


Price per M 
feet B.M. 


8 by 8 inches 


Feet. 
50 

100 

50 
100 

50 
100 

50 
100 

50 
LOO 

50 
100 

.Mi 
100 

:,n 
100 


$12.50 
35.00 
12. 50 
35.00 
13.25 

:;;. 50 

14. 00 
40.00 
15..-.0 
44. 00 
I7.0H 
48.00 
20.00 
53.00 
23.00 

.V.I.OO 


8 by 8 inches 














is by 18 inches 




20 by 20 inches 


20 by 20 inches 

22 by 22 inches 


24 by 24 inches 


•'4 by 24 inches 





Prices of larger timbers an- special. 

UNDERBRUSH. 

Small area- on the eastern slope are <>t' open pine forests, carpeted 
with pine grass ( > 'alamagrostis siiksdorfi) and without litter or under- 
brush, but the general statement i- true that on both slopes of the 
mountains the underbrush is heavy as compared with eastern forest 
area-, and on the western -lope it i- not uncommon for the growth to 
he so rank as to tie impenetrable. 

The term underbrush as here used does not include young trees of 
the same species as those composing the forest, nor does it include 
grasses, sedges, weeds, or ferns. In the typical forest of conifers 
there is considerable growth of the deciduous shrubs, which are prop- 
erly included as underbrush and are so called locally. The species 
common to both slopes are as follows: 

Underbrush in Mount Rainier Reserve, Washington. 

SPECIES POUND THROUGHOUT THE RESERVE. 

Oregon grape Berberis nervosa Pursh. 

Washington holly Berberis aquifolium Pursh. 

Pachystima myrsinites Raf. 

Bearberry Rhainnus pursh iana DC. 

Soapwood Ceanottus velutinus Dougl., com- 
mon. 

Ceanothus sanguineus Pursh. 



ier] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 131 

Vine maple i.cer circinatum Pursh. 

Smooth maple Acer glabram Torr. 

iPrunus emarginata var. mollis 
Wild cherry Brewer. 

iPrunus demissa Walp. 

r-Eosa gymnocarpa Xutt. 
Wihl rose J Rosa nutkana Presl. 

I Rosa calif ornica Cham, ami Schlecht. 

Hardhack Spiraea douglasii Hook. 

Arrow wood Spiraea discolor Pursh. 

A 1] line spiraea Spiraea rosea Gray. 

Spiraea corymbosa Raf. 

Mountain ash Pyrus sambucifolia (Cham, ami 

Schlecht) Roem. 

( Irab apple Pyrus rivularis Dougl. 

Juneberry imelanchicr alnifolia Xutt. 

Thimbleberry Rubus nutkanus Moc. 

Salmon berry Rubus spectabilis Pursh. 

Raspberry Rubus leucodermis Di mgl. 

Blackberry Rubus ursinus Chain, ami Schlecht. 

Snowy or birds' -foot bramble Rubus pedatus Smith. 

Downy bramble I tubus lasiococcus ( Iray. 

1 rrease w 1 Purshia tridentata DC. 

Nine-bark Neillia opulifolia B. ami 1 1. 

Muck orange or wild syringa Philadelphus lewisii Pursh. 

Red-flowering currant Ribes sanguineum Pursh. 

Western fetid currant Ribes bracteosum Dougl. 

Ribes viscosissimum Pursh. 

Ribes cereum Dougl. 

Ribes ciliosum Howell. 

Prickly gooseberry Ribes lacustre var. molle < iray. 

Black-berried gooseberry Ribes divericatum Dougl. 

Devil's walking club Fatsia horrida B. and H. 

Canada dogwood < lornus canadensis Linn. 

Western dogwood Cornus nuttallii Ami. 

White-berried di >:_ r \\ i iod Cornus pubescens Xutt. 

White elder Sambucus melanocarpa Gray. 

Red-berried elder Sambucus racetnosa Linn. 

Sambucus glauca Xutt. ? 

Viburnum Viburnum pauciflorum Pylaie. 

Snowberry Symphoricarpus racemosus Michx. 

Western honeysuckle Lonicera ciliosa Poir. 

Bush honeysuckle Lonicera involucrata Banks. 

Red huckleberry Vaccinium parvifolium Smith. 

Myrtle-leaved huckleberry Vaccinium myrtilloides Hook. 

Small red huckleberry Vaccinium myrtillus var. micro- 

cephyllum Hook. 

Cranl perry i species not determined. ) 

Manzanita Arctostaphylos tomentosa Dougl. 

Kinnikinick Arctostaphylos uvaursi Spr. 

Mountain salal ( iaultheria ovatifolia Gray. 

Pale laurel Kalmia glauca Ait. var. 

Menziesia ferruginea Smith. 
White rhododendron Rhododendron albiflorum Hook. 



132 FOREST RESERYKS. 

Labrador tea Ledum latifolium Ait. 

Dwarf birch Betula glandulosa Michx. 

Mountain aider Vlnus sinuata Ryd. 

Alnus rhombifolia Nutt 

Hazle Corylus rostrata Ait., very common. 

Bee willow Salix sitchensis Sanson. 

Marsh willow Salix lasiandra Benth. 

Quaking aspen Populus tremuli lides Michx. 

Alpine juniper Juniperus communis Linn. 

SPECIES FOUND oNl.Y on THE WESTERS SLOPE. 

Madroiia Arbutus menziesii Pursh. 

Salal t iaultheria shallon Pursh. 

State flower Rhododendron californicum Hook. 

Honeysuckle Lonicera hispidula Dougl 

Black huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum Pursh. 

species found only on the eastern slopi 

Scrub oak Quercus garryana Dougl. 

Dogwood Cornus stolonifera Michx. 

( iregon grape Berberis repena Lindl. 

Sagebrush Artemisia tridentata Nutt. 

Missouri currant Ribes aureum Pursh. 

Small sagebrush Aplopappus bloomeri < fray. 

FOREST LITTER. 

On the eastern slopes the forests are generally open, travel off the 
trails being possible with pack animals, although sometimes difficult 

and slow . ( )n the west i ■l'n slopes the forest litter makes travel on the 
trails or roads imperative, and the explorer or prospector must expect 
to carry his pack on his back and climb over or crawl under the fallen 
loos tl Kl i cover the ground. Sometimes these loos are piled 20 feet 
high, as mute but eloquent reminders of an unusually heavy wind- 
storm. In such areas logging becomes difficult and expensive, as it 
increases the proportion of "swampers" in the logging crew. 

The litter is a menace to the forest, inasmuch as it is the best con- 
ductor for fire, and when loos are favorably placed a heavy downpour 
of rain will not extinguish the flames, which, surviving, proceed with 
the work of destruction. 

HUM I S. 

All important factor in the forest growth is the humus, which forms 
the upper soil everywhere, excepting where the fires have been so 

severe as to utterly destroy it. This loose deposit of fallen and 
decayed vegetation is most abundant in the heavy and unharmed for 
ests, where it is from 3 inches to a foot in depth. As it is a retainer 
of moisture and a protector for the seedlings, the restocking of burned 
areas is a slow process if the humus has been totally destroyed. 




iff ' ■*■■% 

Ml 









^* 



.1. FIR, MAPLE, Al> 




7; MOUNT HOOD; MOUNTAIN FIR IN FOREGRO 



ii.iMMiul MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 133 

On the steeper hillsides it acts as a retarding element to the surface 
drainage, preventing the sudden flooding of the streams during rains, 
and also preventing their entire cessation during the dry season. On 
the eastern slope, in the watershed of the Yakima River, the surface 
flow continues to feed the river for three months after the cessation of 
the winter rains and snows, and as the waters of this river are largely 
used tor irrigation, the importance of the forest cover and the humus is 
easily seen. Lands are irrigated from April to October, inclusive, 
the largest demand for water generally being made in July, at which 
time at least one-half of the flow is from the melting snows. The time 
is rapidly approaching when the entire flow of this river will be util- 
ized in the necessary and desirable conversion of deserts into gardens, 
and it is conservative to say that a fall of 1 foot in the river affects 
300,000 acres of land. 



EXTENT AND LOCATION OF BURNS. 

The areas which may be classified as burns amount to 326,590 acres. 
or about loi per cent of the total area of the reserve. Of this ana 
about two-thirds are on the western side of the Cascade Mountains. 

Ancient burns, of which traces still remain in the standing timber. 
cover probably 40 to 50 per cent of the area of the reserve, but being 
rolockcd with trees of large size, these areas can not be called burns. 
The tires of comparatively recent occurrence, whose effects may be 
studied and compared, have results depending upon the nature of the 
forest, the time of year, and the winds. A tire may clear the ground 
of brush, litter, and humus, but not materially damage the standing 
trees beyond charring them to a height of 10 or 15 feet. If more 
severe it may consume some of the standing trees without much 
regard to species or location, on account of the proximity of under- 
brush and litter to the bases of the trees destroyed. Such tires leave 
standing burned snags surrounded by green and unharmed old timber. 

A "•burn" results in the total destruction of all vegetation within the 
limits of the burned area, leaving only standing snags and stumps, and 
the ground covered with partly consumed logs. Small areas may be 
"(lean burns" and show few signs of the former forest, but instead 
be a desert of burned sandy soil in which the traveler will sink ankle 
deep. The burns bear little relation either to topography or the kind 
of timber, their boundaries and extent having been determined by the 
initial tire and the direction of the wind. The smaller deciduous trees 
which have their habitat in the moist bottoms, such as alder and 
maples, are more immune than their coniferous associates, but even 
they do not always escape. 



134 FOREST RESERVES. 

The great burns in the Cowlitz watershed occurred in 1841 and ISofi, 
but portions of the area have been burned or reburned at intervals 
during the past ten years. Over lai'ge and irregular areas this region 
is restocked with the same species of trees which border it and prob- 
ably constituted the original forest. In this restocking the noble fir 
(Abies nobilis) takes an important part. and. together with the other 
firs, would rapidly retimber this most unsightly region if fires could lie 
prevented. On the Sawtooth Range a large tire occurred in 1896, and 
reliable witnesses say that one tree burned for six months. 

The hills on the north side of the Cowlitz River have been burned 
over several times since settlement, the last burn being three years 
ago. In this and adjoining area- the -o.-. m<l growth after the hum is 
very rapid. 

From testimony of various Indians regarding the "big tire" it 
appears that it was of unusual severity. Many Indians and stock per- 
ished, and the few saved who were in its path were submerged in the 
river tor protection. The heat was so intense as to kill some of the 
fish in the river. 

The large burn on Raid Mountain occurred about 1860 and must 
have been a very severe and destructive tire, destroying all the vege- 
tation and humus and exposing the thin scoria soil, which barely covers 
the eruptive rocks. Under such adverse conditions the process of 
restocking is necessarily slow, particularly as the seedlings must advance 
up hill unprotected. 

The burn about Juniper Mountain and the head of McCoy Creek 
occurred in .Inly. 1898. At about the same time a portion of the 
southwest slope of Mount Adam- was burned, leaving an unsightly 
patch of dead -nags which detract- from the beauty of the mountain 
view. 

The recent burns near Steamboat Mountain and over scattered 
patches to the southward have occurred periodically during the past 
twenty years, the last and most extensive fire being in ls'.'T. 

On the eastern -lope of the Cascade Mountains the majority of the 
burns have occurred during the past decade, those of the Atanum and 
Tieton watersheds having mostly occurred since L896. 

A portion of the basin of Silver Creek was burned August 10, L898, 
and at this time allies fell at Longmires Springs, which i- distant 
about 20 mile-. Mineral Creek Basin, which i- a tributary to Ameri- 
can River, burned over in L895. 

CAUSES OF FIRES. 

The tires which have occurred in the reserve may be traced to the 
following causes: 

Campers and packers build their tire- against logs or tree- and 
neglect to extinguish them. Small tire- that are built in the open do 



U- S GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 



TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT PART V PL. XLVI 



LEGEND 



Less than JO percent of the forest 




MOUNT RAINIER FOREST RESERVE 
WASHINGTON 

Showing distribution of yellow pine 
f Pinus ponderosa) 

Prepared under the direction of Henry Gannett Geographer in charge 

BY FRED. G.PLUMMER 

1899 



plummer.] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 135 

not spread unless the humus is deep and dry. They will smolder until 
fanned into name by the wind. 

Sheep men start fires to promote the growth of grass near the, sum- 
mits, believing that the destruction of the timber is generally followed 
by a growth of those grasses upon which sheep will feed. Severe fires 
also have the effect of clearing the ground of underbrush and litter and 
make it easier and safer to drive sheep from point to point. 

Prospectors fire the timber with the object of clearing the ground 
to make prospecting easier. A great many miners are strongly 
opposed to this method as it gives a very dirty area to work in and 
the legitimate miner needs the timber for Ids shafts and tunnels. 

Settlers start fires for the purpose of clearing the land for cultiva- 
tion. As the settlers do not like to go to the trouble of carrying 
their brush or slashed timber away from the standing timber, they 
burn it where it falls in slashing. 

Indians also start fires on the slopes and summits for the purpose 
of promoting the growth of huckleberries, blackberries, and raspber- 
ries, and also to drive game. 

Camping parties often set fire to the resinous trees simply for the 
the pleasure of seeing them burn. Cases of this kind were not 
uncommon, but of recent years sentiment has been so strongly against 
this practice that the evil has almost ceased to exist. 

Lightning also starts fires. 

Since the inauguration of the present forest policy the causes may 
be briefly stated as ignorance, carelessness, and lightning. The expert 
woodsman, trapper, hunter, or camper for pleasure is careful about 
his fires and knows how to build them so that they will not spread 
and burn his tent and outfit. His cooking fire is never larger than 
necessary to hold a coffee pot, kettle, and skillet, and is usually made 
between two rows of rocks or two small green or wet logs. The fire 
will measure S by 20 or 3d inches, and within a half hour from the 
time of starting every small twig and dry cone in its immediate vicinity 
has been used for fuel and to safeguard against burnt shoes or trousers. 
The tenderfoot, on the contrary, builds his tires large and open, and 
the chance of their spreading is much increased if they are against 
logs or trees. 

The fixing of a cause for any stated fire is almost impossible, unless 
lightning was the cause. Sheepmen, prospectors, hunters, and ranchers 
accuse one another promiscuously, but no reliable data are obtainable. 
In the case of lightning, where the agency of a human being is not 
involved, some data have been collected and will be here given at the 
risk of giving that agent more prominence than might be justified 
were the other causes capable of the same investigation. These well- 
authenticated instances do, however, prove that lightning can not be 
omitted from the list of causes, although it may be argued that during 



13o FOKEST RESERVES. 

an electric storm the precipitation should be so great as to prevent a 
large fire from catching or spreading. 

In May, 1897, lightning struck the timber in Cowlitz Bottom near 
the town of Vance on several occasions, the largest burn resulting in 
the destruction of about three acres of timber. In June. 1896, it 
struck the hills in sees. 1 and 2, T. 1:.' N., R. 7 E.. and a large forest 
tire in the second growth resulted. 

Timber on Juniper Mountain was struck by lightning in July, 1 s :'s. 
and a large burn resulted which destroyed considerable fair timber. 

In the basin of the Smith Fork of the Rattlesnake on duly 22, 1898, 
at 7.30 p. m.. lightning struck a tree and also killed three horses 
belonging t<> Joseph Melini. Another stroke set a small tire which 
burned for ten or fifteen minutes. Roth tires were extinguished by 
the accompanying downpour of rain. 

On August 10, 1898, lightning struck several trees in Silver Creek 
Basin and a large burn resulted. There was no rain that day. nor 
was there at Longmires Springs, distant 20 miles, although the day 
was heavily clouded. 

Two tires were started by lightning on duly 28, 1899, in sec. 36, 
T. 7 N.. ii. '.' F... but did not spread beyond the tree- -truck. 

RESTOCKING OF BURNED AREAS. 

All of the restocking of the reserve is natural. No work has been 
done by man toward reseeding with the best species nor eliminating 
from young second growths the undesirable specie-. All of the 
acti\ ity thus far has been toward protection against tire, which may 
in a day destroy what would balance the work of years. 

The process >>( reseeding is rapid. All of the timber tree- sei >1 
abundantly and at a season when the high wind- may distribute the 
seeds over large areas. It is doubtful if any assistance from man 
would noticeably affect the progress of this reseeding, which, if con- 
ditions of .-oil permit, results in a thicket of small growth in spite id' 
the numerous animals which destroy seed-. In cases where a tire was 
not severe and representatives of one or more hardy species withstood 
the flame-, the restocking begins from these survivors, which are not 
always the best timber species. The mountain hemlock I T*< 
ton iana) seems to resist tire more successfully than the other species 
common in the alpine zone, and the tamarack I .' ' ■' nialis) sur- 

vives best in the middle zone. In Naches Valley above the junction of 
Bumping River there is a very old burn. A few yellow pine and red 
fir of the old forest are -till standing, and the heavy second growth 
is of thi' same species, with the addition of tamarack. Very small 
recent tires in the same area have injured many of the trees and made 
clean burns in some locations. From Naches Pass just outside the 
for ."• mile- down the river and into the reserve there is an 




A.. MOUNT RAINIER FROM GOAT MC 




,. 






<.'.. . , 



V N$ 







i:i*yfM4M^§ 






/{. BURN, WITH SECOND GROWTH 



plummer] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 137 

old burn about 2 miles wide, which is now partly second growth white 
fir and tamarack, with willows along the banks. In the watershed of 
Atanum River there are indications that the tamarack stood the fires 
of an ancient burn better than other species. 

After a clean burn the restocking must proceed from the bordering 
forests, and it is observed that although these bounding forests may 
be mixed, one species often predominates in the new growth. This 
fact may be accounted for by assuming that a favorable wind pre- 
vailed when that particular species was in mature fruit, and that the 
soil conditions in the burn wen- such as to give encouragement to that 
species. In this respect the tamarack easily takes the lead in eastern 
Washington, and the hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) in western Wash- 
ington. Of all the conifers these two species have the lightest cones 
and seeds, and are most exempt from the attacks of squirrels and chip- 
munks. These are among the least valuable of the timber trees, and 
it happens that the best of the pines, the white pine (/'. monticola), 
and the best of the firs, the noble fir (A. ndbilis), have large and heavy 
cones, and being subject to these depredations are checked in their 
efforts at restocking. 

The grazing of sheep and other stock upon burned areas certainly 
retards their restocking with timber. If stock pasturing were pro- 
hibited upon all burned and low timberlees areas until the restocking 
had resulted in such sufficient stand and age of timber trees that 
further protection would be unnecessary, it would remove a serious 
enemy from the field, and in all probability would result in extin- 
guishing forest fires in their incipiency. 

TIMBKRLESS AREAS. 

There is no altitude which may be termed a timber limit. This 
results from the fact that the bold topography of the reserve and the 
presence of numerous perpetual snow fields and glaciers cause differ- 
ent climatic conditions to obtain in areas not widely separated. Upon 
the slopes of Mount Rainier the alpine trees cover the sharp ridges to 
an elevation of 7,2oo feet, and above this only a few scattering pro- 
cumbent individuals rind shelter behind some rock or crag. The 
extreme altitude there reached by trees may be stated at 7,600 feet, 
but at Goat Peak the same forms reach an altitude of s.4oo feet. The 
difference of latitude favoring Goat Peak is only a third of a degree, 
but the local climatic conditions are quite different. At lower eleva- 
tions than these, however, many rocky peaks are often too exposed to 
permit a growth of trees or the accumulation of a scanty soil, except- 
ing in the rock crevices where the hardy little alpine flowers will rind 
strong root hold. 

Cliffs at all altitudes are often too steep and smooth to permit the 
spread of the timber which struggles for existence on the talus slopes 



138 FOREST RESERVES. 

below. Often the talus slopes are timberless, particularly when recent 
or when composed of fine chips, l>ut in the majority of oases the pines 
and firs manage to advance over these uninviting areas. 

Upon the slopes of Mount Rainier the glaciers flow to the lower 
altitudinal limit of 3,300 feet, and these areas are of course timberless, 
;i> are the perpetual snow fields which border the glaciers or lie upon 
the ridges which form the divides between the "cradles" of the glaciers. 

The great timberless area of eastern Washington, or the "arid 
region." does not extend to the boundary of the reserve, but approaches 
it so closely that it is germane to the subject. 

It appears to the most casual observer that the trees of the lower 
mountain slopes are forcing their way over these arid regions. A 
similar phenomenon has lone- been observed on the beautiful parked 
prairies of western Washington near Tacoma, where the advance of 

the red firs (Pseudot&uga taxifolia) has I n as great as 25 feet per 

year. On the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains it is the yellow 
pine ( Pin uspondt rosa) that takes the lead among the conifers in attack- 
ing these arid regions. The red fir follows closely, seldom being 
more than '2 miles behind, and is in turn closely followed by the 
tamarack (Zarix occidentalis). Other species follow rapidly, depend- 
ing upon topography and soil. 

TIMBER CUTTING IX THE RESERVE. 

A total area of about 8,000 acres has 1 n cut within the boundaries 

of the reserve. Of this amount 40 per cent has been cut by actual 
settlers and the balance by Loggers. 

The largest area i- alone- Tieton River, from the reserve boundary 
westward. The lumber is reported as used for fluming and other con- 
struction work on the Selah irrigating canal. The cordwoodfrom the 
same area was marketed in North Yakima. 

At Tannuin bake aboul 200 logs have been cut and dressed on two 
side- ready for the construction of an impounding dam at the foot of 
the lake. This work was done in 1891 under the direction of the 
Yakima Investment Company, and most of the Iocs lane been piled 
up at the point of proposed construction. Tannum Lake and Lakes 
Kitchelos, Katchess, and Clealum, which lie outside of the reserve. 
have been considered in connection with the extensive plans for the 
irrigation of the fertile slopes of the Lower Yakima Basin, which 
plans have been partly carried to completion. There is little doubt 

that they will be '(led for storage in the future, as the nature of 

the Yakima watershed causes extremes of high and low stages in the 
river. 

At the Medina mining camp on Silver Creek in Summit district, 
a small mill has been erected to furnish lumber to be used in the con- 
struction of a ."•--tamp mill and the necessary fluming and buildings. 



GEOLOGICAL 




B. HEADWATERS OF TIETON RIVER, FROM GOAT MOUNTAIN. 



piimmek] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 139 

They have slashed an area of about i' acres and cut a total of about 
10,000 feet. 

A sawmill in sec. 29, T. 15 N., R. 7 E., was run for a short time. 
The logging was largely from an area subsequently cleared and cul- 
tivated. There are about 10,000 feet of lumber in the mill yard. 

A mill situated near ( 'henowith post-office in sec. 22, T. 4 X., R. 9 E., 
has cut a total of about 40 acres from patented land within the reserve. 
Another loeated in sec. 14. T. 3 X., R. 9 E., outside of the reserve, 
has cut about 160 acres. 

A shingle mill is situated in sec. 20, T. -4 X.. R. 9 E., and has a 
capacity of about 30,000 shingles per day. It cuts from paten ted lands. 

In 1899 a small portable mill was located in sec. 8, T. 12 X., R. 7 E., 
but is now idle after filling a few small orders. The country tributary 
to it is patented and settled. 

LOGGING COXDITIOXS. 

It may be said generally that the logging of those areas examined 
must be by skid and railroads. The only drivable stream is the 
Lower Cowlitz River, and as there is not much timber in its valley 
skids or trams will be needed to transfer logs from the timbered slopes 
of its watershed to the river. The exception to the above general 
statement is that during flood seasons several of the rivers carry enough 
water in confined channels to drive logs for short distances, and that 
shingle bolts, fence posts, and eordwood might be driven during the 
greater part of the year if drifts and other obstructions are removed. 
Such rivers are the "White, Carbon. Little White .Salmon. Cispus, 
Lewis, Wind, Puyallup. Nisqually, Klickitat, and Xaehes. With the 
present method of logging it is not likely that any of these streams 
will ever be used. 

In all the watersheds the method and route of logging is fixed by 
the location of the main and secondary divides, which are usually sharp 
and well defined, without table-lands. In such cases the canyon slopes 
are so steep that log chutes might lie used, but the areas tributary to 
such chutes are generally limited and contain little timber. 

With the exception of a short narrow-gage railroad feeding the 
( >regon Mill Company's mill in T. 4 X., R. it E., there are no railroads 
in the reserve, nor are there any wagon roads over which heavy logs 
could be hauled. The Northern Pacific Railway Company has made a 
survey up tlie Nisqually Valley via Rear Prairie, down Skate Creek, up 
the Cowlitz and Summit Creek and over Carlton Pass in the Cascade 
Mountains, thence down Bumping River, but no construction work 
has been done. The Tacoma and Columbia River Railroad has made a 
preliminary survey from the end of their line at Lake Park, 11 miles 
from Tacoma. This survey runs up the Cispus River to Cispus Pass 
with the expressed intention of tapping a timber belt and certain coal 
prospects in the C'ispu- watershed. 



14(1 FOREST RESERVES. 

SETTLEMENT AXI) IMPROVEMENTS. 

Within the reserve there arc liiu settlers, of whom about 7.". per 
eent have made improvements other than the building of houses 
or cabins. From detail memoranda made during the examination 
the following figures are obtained: 

Improvements in Mount Rainier Reserve, Washington 

Number of houses (including trappers and prospectors) 181 

Number of barns 90 

Number of acres slashed 3, 275. s -"> 

Number of acres cleared (mostly in pastures 1, 864. 75 

Number of acres in gardens 65.4 

Number of acres in orchards 91. 85 

Generally the clearing of land for pasturage does not include the 
removal of large stumps, as this work is expensive, and in some loca- 
tions would mean $150 per acre. The garden produce is for local 
consumption and is only limited by climate. The besl results are 
from potatoes, unions, turnips, carrots, beets, parsnips, squash, and 
small fruits. Corn, tomatoes, and cucumbers are raised, lint not to 
perfection. The orchards are principally of apples, plums, and pears. 

GRAZING. 

The grazing lands of the reserve are mainly upon the eastern slope 
of the ( !ascade Mountains, and have an area of about 800,000 acres. 

1 )uring the season of 1899 approximately 260,000 sheep were herded 
on this area. The general method of herding sheep in the State of 
Washington is as follows: In the late fall and winter the sheep are 
pastured in the vicinity of their home ranches in the low lands and 
\alle\s of eastern Washington, and in severe weather feed on hay. 
In the early spring, after lambing and shearing, the hands are driven 
toward the mountains, reaching the reserve in June. They follow 
the receding snows to the very summits, grazing and browsing upon 
the new growth of classes and deciduous vegetation. Late in August 
they commence to work down to the lower altitudes, and generally 
leave the reserve about the 1st of October. 

As might he expected, there is a wide divergence of opinion regard- 
ing the advantages or disadvantages resulting from this practice, and 
the sheep owner's position has become one of active defense against 
public sentiment. 

The arguments presented against the grazing of sheep in the reserve 
art 1 as follows: (1) That the sheep men tire the forests for the purpose 
of promoting the growth of the forage plants. (2) That the sheep 
browse upon the young timber trees and trample out tin 1 seedlings. 
(:'») That the removal of underbrush causes the stream- to become more 




A. MOUNT ADAMS. 




/.'. CISPUS RANGE, FROM GOAT MOUNTAIN 



plumber.] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 141 

sensitive to melting snows, and the summer flow of rivers used for 
irrigation is thereby decreased. (4) That the sheep pollute the streams. 
(5) That the natural beauty of the reserve is partially destroyed. 

The sheep owners and herders not only deny all the above, but claim 
in addition: (1) That the removal of the underbrush by the browsing 
of sheep lessens the liability of fires spreading. (2) That the herders 
are exterminating the bears, cougars, wildcats, wolves, and coyotes, 
which prey upon domestic animals. 

There is little doubt but that sheep men have started tires, and that 
burns more or less extensive have resulted, but it is equally true that by 
reason of the strict regulations and enforcement of the law, together 
with a regard for their own interests, due to a wholesome fear of the 
cancellation of their permits, the practice has ceased, and any fires 
now originating with the sheep men are isolated cases resulting from 
carelessness. 

Moreover, it is contended that setting tire to the timber does not 
necessarily result in the increase of the areas for pasturage. A clean 
burn more frequently results in a rank growth of huckleberries, and 
if the burn is not clean the ground remains covered with (barred logs 
and snags, making travel slow and dangerous and the area often unfit 
for sheeping. The coarse grasses and weed* that immediately follow 
the fires are not the best forage, and it may be several years before 
they are succeeded by the better varieties. 

It is a fact that the greatest number of burns and also those of the 
greatest extent are in portions of the reserve which have not been 
sheeped, and this fact has at least a general bearing on the subject, as 
these areas of great burns arc on the western slopes and in the regions 
of greatest annual precipitation. 

The claim that the sheep browse upon the young timber trees is not 
well founded so far as it relates to the conifers, and within the grazing 
area there are no deciduous trees of any value excepting the oak {Qut :-/■- 
cms garryana), and that is generally of a size only fit for fuel. Sheep, 
cattle, and horses will not eat foliage from the pines, firs, and other 
evergreens which comprise the timber of the reserve, unless driven to 
it by a hunger that is almost starvation. In the immediate vicinity of 
the separating corrals, where bands of sheep may be confined for one. 
or two days during the process of separating, small evergreens were 
nipped by the sheep, and along the beaten and oversheeped trails the 
same tiling may be noticed, but the damage is insignificant and only 
worthy of mention as an exception. During the examination our pack 
animals were several times in desperate need of pasturage, as our route 
of travel took us over miles of deep snow, which covered everything 
but the timber trees. These, however, the animals would not touch. 
On Pisco Ridge (outside the reserve), at an elevation of 6,000 feet, we 
found the remains of over 20 horses, which had perished in the snow T , 



14 "2 FOREST RESERVES. 

huddled tog-ether in a bunch of young- firs and pines. They had pawed 
the ground for grass roots, and had gnawed the bark from the trees 
and browsed on sonic of the foliage, hut not to any extent. 

There is no doubt that the sheep trample out seedlings of the conifers 
as they do of other trees and shrubs. Along- the routes of sheep 
travel the forest floor is sometimes powdered by their sharp hoot's 
and all traces of undergrowth obliterated, and if this condition pre- 
vailed over a burned area the process of restocking would lie very 

slow. 

All of the conifers set cones in abundance, but not one seed in 
loo. 000 produces a mature tree under ordinary conditions. Squirrels, 
chipmunks, and birds eat most of the seeds: forest shade kills many of 
the seedlings, and in the open it is a case of survival of the fittest. 
Inasmuch as a sufficient number of the seedlings generally survive to 
take part in the final competition and form the " thickets" so commons 
in the more open areas, it is evident that the enemies, including- sheep, 
do not seriously affect the final result as stated. 

The effect of underbrush and forest cover in retarding or accelerat- 
ing the melting- of snow is easily demonstrated by observation in the 
area of the Cascade Mountains examined. However, if it be assumed 
that the snow melts more quickly in the open many locations may be 
cited as evidence, and if the contrary be assumed tin' evidences are 
quite as numerous. This is for the general hypothesis, but there are 
details of exposure and altitude which enter into the problem and 
make it capable of solution. The masses of compact snow which are 
found in the open or timberless heights late in the summer are always 
upon hillsides protected from the warm ehinook winds, and these are 
generally the northern and eastern slopes. Upon timbered mountains 
of equal altitude and where similar climatic conditions prevail the same 
slopes hold snow the longest. The effect of the underbrush and forest 
litter on the melting of snow is one which the traveler in these high 
altitudes is forced to observe for his own safety. It is only upon the 
hard snow which hides no brush or logs that safe footing is found. 
Wherever a log or brush exists the snow is soft and melting and the 
pack animals and men fall through, a matter of some consequence 
where the snow is over 6 feet deep. 

Although the temperature in the forest may be slightly higher than 
in tiie open, for any given altitude, there can be no doubt that a stand 
of timber protects the snow from the warm winds and prevents the 
sudden rise of a stream. The underbrush does not give this protec- 
tion, but is an agent in preventing the compacting and hastens the 
melting of the snow. To summarize: The snows will remain longest 
(other conditions equal) in — 

(1) A forest without underbrush or litter. 

(•2) An open without brush or litter. 




A. RECENT CINDER CONE ON NORTH SLOPE OF MOUNT ADAMS. 




/; MOUNT ADAMS, WITH MOUNTAIN FIR IN FOREGROUND. 



plummeb.] MOUNT RAINIER RESERVE, WASHINGTON. 143 

(3) A forest with underbrush or litter. 

(1) An open with brush or litter. 

The question of the pollution of the streams by sheep is one rather 
for the future than for the present, inasmuch as provision is made 
that the sheep "shall not be corralled within 500 yards of any running 
stream or living spring." If the corrals bordered on or had surface 
drainage into the streams the waters would be polluted in sentiment if 
not in fact when they reached the distant settlements, and sentiment 
is a strong factor when it applies to drinking water. One specifica- 
tion for good drinking water is that it must not contain more than 
one part by weight of dry organic matter in 100,000 parts of liquid, 
and it is .safe to say that this limit is not exceeded in the river waters 
even in the immediate vicinity of the corrals. The fact that running 
waters are self-clarifying is generally conceded, although not to the 
extent set forth by Dr. H. Letheby. medical officer of health for the 
city of London, in relation to the Thames. His statement is that 
'•sewage " when it is mixed with twenty times its volume of running 
water and has flowed a distance of 10 or 12 miles is absolutely 
destroyed; the agents of destruction being infusorial animals, aquatic 
plants and fish, and chemical oxidation. The question of pollution is 
therefore one to be considered in the precautionary way. and this has 
been done. 

The scenery of the reserve is on too grand and extensive a scale to 
be affected by any operation of man. such as grazing or mining. The 
burns are the only disfigurement to the magnificent views which, 
reward the climber of the peaks. Areas of particular beauty or 
novelty should be included in the National Park, on which pasturing 
is not allowed. 

The Secretary of the Interior on June : J ,n. ls:t7. promulgated rules 
and regulations relating to forest preservation, among which was the 
following: "13. The pasturing of live stock on the public lands in 
forest reservations will not be interfered with so long as it appears 
that injury is not being done to the forest growth and the rights of 
others are not thereby jeopardized.'' From my observations the 
injury done the forest growth by sheeping is not serious, and the 
attendant evils can be and are being guarded against. 



TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT PART V PL. XXX III 



\ 



DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR-TJ. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 
* CHARLES D. WALCOTT, DIRECTOR 



THE 



FRED Gr. PLUMMER 



EXTRACT FROM THE TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SURVEY. 1899-1900 

PART V, FOREST RESERVES— HENRY GANNETT, CHIEF OF 

DIVISION OF GEOGRAPHY AND FORESTRY 




WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1900 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



897 784 7 



